Species

1 other cultivar

‘Revolution Gold’Golden Tea Tree, Honey Myrtle, Black Tea-tree, River Tea Tree

shrub

Black Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Golden Tea-tree

Melaleuca bracteata 'Golden Gem'

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca bracteata, commonly known as the black tea-tree, is a hardy Australian Myrtaceae species native to watercourses, stream banks, and wet depressions across both coastal and inland regions. The species naturally forms a large upright tree featuring alternate, narrow-ovate leaves and small white to cream flower spikes clustered near the branch tips.

'Golden Gem' is a compact dwarf garden cultivar selected for its dense, mounding shrub habit and distinct yellowish-green to golden foliage. The golden coloration of the leaves intensifies when the plant is grown in full sun, contrasting with the small white to cream flowers that appear from spring to early summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Features distinct yellowish-green to golden foliage that intensifies in full sun, contrasting with small white to cream flower spikes.

Copes exceptionally well with seasonally wet depressions, heavy clay soils, and coastal environments.

Supports native insects, bees, and nectar-feeding Australian birds by providing floral nectar and dense foliage shelter.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Skin irritant (essential oils)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a planting site in full sun to partial shade, noting that sunnier positions produce the most intense golden foliage colour.
Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and plant into any adaptable soil type, from light sand to heavy clay, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly upon planting to establish, as this cultivar copes well with both seasonally wet depressions and well-drained garden beds.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid cutting back into old, leafless woody stems when shaping this cultivar, as latent buds are often absent in mature wood and will fail to reshoot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Trim lightly after the summer flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Position in full sun to maximize the intensity of the golden foliage.
Ensure adequate soil drainage if planting in areas prone to phytophthora dieback.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood where latent buds are absent.
Do not apply heavy commercial fertilisers high in phosphorus or nitrogen.
Do not plant in deep shade where the golden foliage will fade to a dull green.

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

HedgeRain Garden

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Black Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Golden Tea-tree questions

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

Black Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Golden 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 Black Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Golden Tea-tree bloom?

Black Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Golden 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 Black Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Golden Tea-tree need full sun?

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

Is Black Tea-tree, River Tea-tree, Golden Tea-tree drought tolerant?

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