Species

1 other cultivar

‘Golden Gem’Golden Melaleuca

shrub

Golden Melaleuca

Melaleuca bracteata 'Revolution Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca bracteata is an upright, evergreen Australian shrub or small tree adapted to warm, frost-free climates. The species features fine-textured foliage and small, white to cream bottle-brush flower clusters that bloom along the stems during summer.

'Revolution Gold' is distinguished by its needle-like, bright chartreuse to golden-yellow leaves that retain their color throughout the year. New growth emerges with intensified golden and reddish tones, contrasted against distinctive red-tinted stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright chartreuse to golden-yellow foliage that provides year-round color contrast against red-tinted stems.

Functions as an effective windbreak, privacy screen, or formal hedge due to its dense growth habit.

Provides nectar for bees, beneficial insects, and visiting hummingbirds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

236"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic (foliage contains essential oils)

Bloom period

Summer

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with well-drained loam, sandy, or clay soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, then position the plant at its original container depth.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Unlike many Australian native plants, this cultivar readily activates dormant epicormic buds along its stems, allowing it to recover exceptionally well from hard pruning back into old wood.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Prune annually to maintain the desired shape and encourage dense, colorful new growth.
Apply a light, slow-release fertilizer in spring to support foliage development.

Don't

Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot can develop.
Avoid constant, tight shearing unless training the plant specifically as a formal hedge.
Do not over-fertilize, as excessive nutrients can diminish the intensity of the golden foliage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeSpecimen PlantPrivacy ScreenWindbreakCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Lantana Salvia Westringia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Melaleuca questions

What zones can Golden Melaleuca grow in?

Golden Melaleuca is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Golden Melaleuca deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Golden Melaleuca, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Golden Melaleuca bloom?

Golden Melaleuca typically blooms in summer through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Melaleuca need full sun?

Golden Melaleuca does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Golden Melaleuca drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Melaleuca handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.