KUNZEA ambigua

Genus of over 30 species of evergreen shrubs and small trees from sandy, mostly coastal areas of Australia. One species extends to New Zealand.

K. ambigua has a history of use as relief from muscular aches and pains.

• Evergreen
  Narrow, leathery leaves
• 
  White
• 
  Height
  5m (16ft) usually much shorter
• 
  Spread
  5m (16ft) usually less
• Tall Shrub
  Usually upright shrub. Flowers, about 12mm (½in) across are produced in leafy clusters
• 
  Tender - cool or frost free greenhouse Tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen. Except in frost-free inner-city areas or coastal extremities requires glasshouse conditions. Plant can withstand temperatures down to 1°C (34°F)
• 
  Will grow outside in milder locations This could include plants which would survive happily in a greenhouse or conservatory if not in a mild location. If you have a sheltered spot in your garden then it may do well here.
• Against a wall
  In milder climates
• 
  Additional Features
  Good to know - can be grown in a container in a cool glasshouse and moved outside in summer. Prune after flowering to restrict size.
• 
  Medicinal properties
  essential oil provides temporary relief from pain of arthritis
• 
  Pests & Diseases
  none
• 
  Place of origin
  Australia
• Garden Location/Conditions
  Greenhouse / conservatory Not the sort of plants to be grown outside where there are likely to be frosts. These plants need to be grown in a conservatory or cool greenhouse or at least brought inside for the winter - under glass grow in lime-free compost in full light
• Patio / pot plants
• Hardiness
  Frost hardy (down to -5)
• Half hardy (down to 0)
• 
  Leaf margin
  Entire see photos above
• 
  Leaf shape
  Lanceolate see photos above
• 
  Pruning group
  Pruning group 1
  Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
  Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
  When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
  
  RHS group 1
• Scented Plants
  Scented flowers
• Seasonal Interest
  Spring
• Soil Conditions
  Free draining sandy soil
• Neutral to acid soil
• 
  Wildlife
  Bee friendly