A compact form of the popular paperbark with striking burgundy new growth maturing to green, and fluffy white summer flowers. Hardy and adaptable for hedges, screens and feature planting.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 2 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Snow in Summer
Botanically, Melaleuca linariifolia 'Claret Tops' is a fast-growing shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to New South Wales and Queensland. It reaches around 2 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and purple-toned foliage. White flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Snow in Summer
Snow in Summer suits subtropical, warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning 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
Snow in Summer does best in clay, loamy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Snow in Summer does best with regular, moderate watering. 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 Snow in Summer 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 Snow in Summer in the garden
Snow in Summer earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, a feature or specimen planting, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
Combine Snow in Summer with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Snow in Summer
Plant Sale lists Snow in Summer as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
