Leptospermum polygalifolium 'Copper Glow'

Species

Leptospermum polygalifoliumTantoon

1 other cultivar

‘Cardwell’Cardwell Tea Tree

shrub

Copper Glow Tea Tree

Leptospermum polygalifolium 'Copper Glow'

The Story

Plant Bio

Leptospermum polygalifolium, commonly known as tantoon, is an upright evergreen shrub native to eastern Australia that naturally inhabits coastal heathlands and sandstone outcrops. It produces small white to cream-colored flowers in the leaf axils during spring and features fine, narrow foliage on arching branches.

'Copper Glow' is distinguished by its vibrant copper to burgundy-bronze new growth that matures to dark green, providing strong foliage contrast. This cultivar maintains a loose, weeping habit that reaches up to ten feet tall and requires full sun to develop its deepest foliage coloration.

Uses & Benefits:

Vibrant copper-red new growth contrasts sharply with mature dark green foliage on gracefully weeping branches.

Highly drought-tolerant and wind-resistant once established, making it excellent for coastal windbreaks.

Provides nectar for generalist insect pollinators during its spring bloom period.

SpeciesLeptospermum polygalifoliumTantoon

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

98"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Moderate

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun with sandy or loamy, free-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and set the plant at its original container depth.
Water deeply to establish, then reduce frequency to allow the soil to dry completely between waterings.
Apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer sparingly in spring to prevent weak, leggy growth.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune annually immediately after flowering to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, leafless wood will prevent the plant from shooting back.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in full sun to maximize the copper and burgundy foliage coloration.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Apply a light tip-prune annually after the spring flowering period.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, brown, leafless wood, as it will not regenerate.
Do not over-fertilize, especially with high-phosphorus formulas.
Do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged or heavy, boggy soil.

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

Specimen PlantHedgeCoastal GardenFoliage Contrast

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Ceanothus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Copper Glow Tea Tree questions

What zones can Copper Glow Tea Tree grow in?

Copper Glow 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 Copper Glow Tea Tree bloom?

Copper Glow Tea Tree typically blooms in spring through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Copper Glow Tea Tree need full sun?

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

Is Copper Glow Tea Tree drought tolerant?

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