Species

1 other cultivar

‘Golden Gem’Black Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Golden Tea-tree

shrub

Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree

Melaleuca bracteata 'Revolution Gold'

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca bracteata is an evergreen Australian shrub or small tree native to riparian zones and watercourses across northern and eastern parts of the continent. The species features fine, narrow aromatic foliage and produces small, fluffy spikes of creamy-white flowers along the branch tips from spring into summer.

'Revolution Gold' is distinguished by its striking golden-yellow to lime-yellow foliage, which intensifies in colour when grown in full sun. New growth displays contrasting reddish stems, and the dense, upright habit responds exceptionally well to regular clipping for formal hedging.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round vibrant golden-yellow foliage that contrasts sharply with reddish new stems and creamy-white summer flowers.

Highly tolerant of wet soils, coastal winds, and regular clipping, making it an excellent choice for windbreaks, screens, or formal hedges.

Attracts nectar-eating native birds, native bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

150 inches

Width

90 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

20-50 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Toxic if Ingested

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to ensure the brightest golden foliage colouration.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant into well-draining soil, though clay and damp soils are also tolerated.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser or organic blood and bone annually after flowering.

Pro Tip

Establish this cultivar in full baking sun to trigger maximum physiological gold pigment expression, as shade causes the foliage to rapidly revert to a dull green. While mature plants tolerate dry periods, young specimens require consistent moisture to prevent irreversible drought stress.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact habit.
Plant in full sun to maximise the vibrant yellow foliage colour.
Water young plants regularly to prevent moisture stress.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood as the plant lacks dormant buds to reshoot.
Do not plant in deep shade, which causes the foliage to turn dull green.
Do not allow young plants to dry out completely during establishment.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Formal or informal hedgingWindbreaks and privacy screensRiparian restoration and wet-soil plantingSpecimen planting for colour contrast

Companion Plants

Callistemon viminalis Leptospermum petersonii Westringia fruticosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree questions

What zones can Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree grow in?

Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree 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.

When does Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree bloom?

Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree need full sun?

Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.