Species

Melaleuca linariifoliaFlax-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-Summer, Budjur (Gadigal)

shrub

Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca linariifolia is an Australian paperbark species native to the coastal wetlands and watercourses of New South Wales and Queensland. The species is characterised by its fine-textured, conifer-like foliage and fluffy white flower clusters that cover the canopy in late spring and summer.

'Claret Tops' is a compact, rounded cultivar selected for its dense growth habit and striking deep red to purple new growth flushes. The colourful young foliage contrasts against the mature grey-green leaves, while small cream-coloured flower clusters appear at the stem tips.

Uses & Benefits:

Valued for its dense, compact form and striking claret-red to deep purple new growth flushes that contrast with grey-green foliage.

Functions as an effective low hedge, windbreak, or barrier plant that is highly drought-tolerant and non-toxic once established.

Attracts nectar-eating birds, native bees, and butterflies, while providing safe nesting sites and physical shelter for small birds and lizards.

SpeciesMelaleuca linariifoliaFlax-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-Summer, Budjur (Gadigal)

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

59 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

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 light shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth.
Position the plant, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Plant in full sun to drive the vibrant claret-red pigment in new foliage; shading causes the growth to revert to dull green. When pruning, avoid cutting back into bare, leafless interior wood as fine-foliaged cultivars lack the active buds to reshoot from old timber.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do plant in full sun to maximise the intensity of the claret-red foliage.
Do prune lightly immediately after flowering to encourage dense growth.
Do apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser in spring if growth slows.

Don't

Don't prune heavily into old, bare wood as the plant struggles to reshoot.
Don't plant in deep shade, which causes the red foliage to fade to green.
Don't allow overhead watering to persist, to minimise the risk of myrtle rust.

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

Low hedgeBorder edgingCoastal gardenMass plantingWindbreak

Companion Plants

Native grasses Coastal shrubs

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer questions

What zones can Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer grow in?

Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer 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 Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer bloom?

Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer 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 Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer need full sun?

Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Claret Tops Honey Myrtle, Narrow-leaved Paperbark, Snow-in-summer handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.