Leptospermum scoparium

[Twoflower]

Has anyone tried to grow this bush from seed? :)

[Twoflower]

[jennym]

No, but must ask, are you trying to produce your own manuka honey?

[Robert_Brenchley]

You'd be better off experimenting with local honey. Manuka isn't necessarily the best plant for healing honey, it's just the best the New Zealanders found out of the few plants they tested. There's an Australian honey which has been found to be even better, but there hasn't been any work done in the UK. I know my honey's good for healing.

[jennym]

Must agree with Robert - there are some fantastic local honeys about. Sometimes I sell a local honey, which has the most splendid taste, but I do get a little peeved when asked for manuka honey.
A lot of folk don't even know it comes from the other side of the world, and ignore the really good honeys on their doorstep.
Yes, theres been research done on honeys in general and manuka honey in particular in NZ, something which (if you are, like me, a teeny bit sceptical) supports the impressive effort in advertising that's enabled the NZ producers to demand and get a massively inflated price for their product.
Or maybe the price hike just pays for the freight costs???
(off topic, but I feel the same way about blueberries imported from USA!!!although I do grow blueberries, for choice, give me a blackcurrant every time)

[Twoflower]

No it isn't really the honey thing. I watched a programme the other day and it is a really pretty plant, good for the bees and you can make tea with it! Anyway Ive ordered some seeds so watch this space :)