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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Claret Tops Honey Myrtle is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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. Overall 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 a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Claret Tops Honey Myrtle with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. 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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.