Species

shrub

Claret Tops

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca linariifolia is an evergreen Australian shrub or small tree native to the moist coastal and tableland regions of New South Wales and Queensland. The species features papery bark, fine-textured linear leaves that release an aromatic scent when crushed, and small white flowers arranged in fluffy, bottlebrush-like spikes.

'Claret Tops' is a compact, mounding cultivar selected for its dense growth habit and distinctive foliage coloration. The new shoot tips emerge in a vibrant claret-red to deep purple-red before maturing to a soft gray-green, providing a multi-colored foliage display throughout the growing season.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round color with its vibrant claret-red new growth contrasting against mature gray-green foliage.

Functions as an excellent low hedge or windbreak due to its dense, compact growth habit and high wind tolerance.

Attracts generalist pollinators, including bees and butterflies, to its fluffy white summer flowers.

SpeciesMelaleuca linariifoliaSnow-in-summer

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to maximize the intensity of the claret-red new foliage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and backfill with native soil, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding ground.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain soil moisture, keeping the mulch clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly and regularly immediately after the summer flowering flush to stimulate the production of the colorful new claret-red tips. Avoid cutting back severely into old, bare wood, as paperbarks lack dormant buds on mature woody stems and will fail to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in full sun to achieve the brightest claret-red foliage coloration.
Prune the outer canopy lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact form.
Water regularly during dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture.

Don't

Do not cut back hard into old, leafless woody branches.
Do not allow the soil to dry out completely during the initial establishment phase.
Do not apply heavy doses of high-phosphorus fertilizers.

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

Low HedgeSpecimen PlantCoastal GardenContainer PlantingMass Planting

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Claret Tops questions

What zones can Claret Tops grow in?

Claret Tops 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 Claret Tops deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Claret Tops, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Claret Tops bloom?

Claret Tops typically blooms in late spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Claret Tops need full sun?

Claret Tops does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Claret Tops drought tolerant?

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