Species

1 other cultivar

‘Revolution Gold’Golden Melaleuca

shrub

Golden Melaleuca

Melaleuca bracteata 'Golden Gem'

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca bracteata, known as the black tea-tree, is a tough evergreen shrub or small tree native to Australian watercourses. It features fine, linear foliage and produces small spikes of white to cream flowers along the stems during summer.

'Golden Gem' is a compact, multi-stemmed cultivar distinguished by its bright, lemon-yellow new growth that matures to a soft yellow-green. It requires full sun to maintain this intense golden coloration, fading to dull green in shaded positions.

Uses & Benefits:

Striking lemon-yellow new foliage provides year-round color contrast, complemented by small white summer flowers.

Functions as an excellent windbreak, dense privacy screen, or formal hedge due to its high tolerance for heavy pruning.

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other general pollinators to the garden during its summer bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

71"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Mildly irritating to skin/pets if ingested in large quantities

Bloom period

Summer – Early fall

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to ensure the brightest golden foliage color.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and backfill with native soil, as this species adapts well to clay, loam, or sand.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a light, balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to support new growth.

Pro Tip

Shear the plant hard annually after flowering to stimulate fresh golden growth and prevent the interior from becoming sparse and leggy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune the plant annually after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Ensure the plant receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily to preserve its yellow coloration.
Water during extended dry spells to maintain foliage density.

Don't

Do not plant in deep shade, which causes the foliage to turn a dull green.
Do not allow the plant to grow completely bare at the base before attempting severe cutbacks.
Do not over-fertilize, as this species has low nutrient requirements.

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

HedgesScreensSpecimen plantingsCoastal gardens

Companion Plants

Callistemon citrinus Westringia fruticosa Phormium tenax

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 early fall. 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 to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

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.