A dense compact melaleuca grown for its claret-red new foliage flushes against fine green leaves. A colourful, hardy low hedge and feature for low-water gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Claret Tops Honey Myrtle
Botanically, Melaleuca 'Claret Tops' is a shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Cream green flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Claret Tops Honey Myrtle
Claret Tops Honey Myrtle suits warm-temperate, subtropical and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Claret Tops Honey Myrtle does best in free-draining, clay and sandy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Claret Tops Honey Myrtle performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
Pruning & care
Prune Claret Tops Honey Myrtle after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Once established, it is low maintenance.
Using Claret Tops Honey Myrtle in the garden
Claret Tops Honey Myrtle earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Claret Tops Honey Myrtle with species that also favour low water use and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Claret Tops Honey Myrtle
Plant Sale lists Claret Tops Honey Myrtle as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
