Leptospermum polygalifolium 'Copper Glow'

Species

Leptospermum polygalifoliumTantoon, Jelly Bush, Tea Tree

1 other cultivar

‘Cardwell’Cardwell Tea Tree, Tea Tree

shrub

Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow'

Leptospermum polygalifolium 'Copper Glow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum polygalifolium, commonly known as the tantoon or wild may, is an evergreen shrub native to eastern Australia that thrives in heathlands, forests, and along watercourses. The species features small, narrow leaves and produces solitary white to cream flowers with a distinctive cup-shaped hypanthium during spring and summer.

'Copper Glow' is distinguished by its weeping, arching branches and deep bronze-green mature foliage that contrasts with the bright coppery-bronze of new spring growth. This cultivar, selected at the Illawarra Grevillea Park, requires bright sunlight to fully develop and maintain its intense foliage coloration.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round interest with arching branches, dark bronze mature foliage, and bright copper-coloured new growth.

Functions as an effective windbreak or informal hedge with excellent coastal salt tolerance.

Attracts native bees, butterflies, and small insectivorous birds seeking nectar and shelter.

SpeciesLeptospermum polygalifoliumTantoon, Jelly Bush, Tea Tree

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118 inches

Width

98 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to part shade with excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth.
Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the base without burying the stem too deeply.
Water thoroughly during the initial establishment phase, then reduce frequency once established.

Pro Tip

Plant in free-draining soil and prune lightly immediately after flowering; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from shooting back reliably.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do prune lightly every year immediately after flowering to encourage dense growth.
Do plant in a sunny position to maximise the coppery foliage colour.
Do use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if feeding is required.

Don't

Don't prune heavily into old, bare wood as the plant will not regenerate.
Don't plant in low-lying, boggy areas prone to standing water.
Don't over-fertilise with high-phosphorus chemical blends.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeScreeningFeature PlantWindbreakCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Callistemon viminalis Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow' questions

What zones can Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow' grow in?

Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow' 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 Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow' bloom?

Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow' 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 Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow' need full sun?

Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow' does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Copper Glow Tea Tree, Tea Tree 'Copper Glow' drought tolerant?

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