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Melaleuca linariifolia 'Claret Tops' (commonly known as Claret Tops Honey Myrtle) is a highly ornamental, hardy Australian native evergreen shrub. It is widely celebrated for its dense, fine-textured foliage and its striking burgundy-to-claret-red new growth that contrasts beautifully against mature grey-green leaves. Thanks to its naturally dense structure, it makes an excellent, low-maintenance low hedge or border separator.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade.
Water requirement: Low, once established.
Watering frequency: Frequent watering to establish, but becomes highly drought-tolerant once established.
Soil: Highly adaptable to most soil profiles—including clay, sand, and loam—but strictly prefers a well-draining system.
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, ideal for pots. It adapts brilliantly to structural trimming (such as topiary balls) and thrives just as well in large patio containers as it does in the ground.
Mature Height: 1.2 to 1.5m
Mature Width: 1m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Highly drought tolerant once established.
Frost Tolerant: Moderate
Wind Tolerant: Moderate
Leaf colour: Fine, narrow, and soft needle-like leaves. The iconic claret-red tips flush prominently on new growth, especially after a prune or during cooler months.
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: Small, narrow, and linear, typically measuring between 10mm and 25mm in length and only 1mm to 2mm in width.
Flower Colour: Cream-to-white
Flower Shape: Small, fluffy flowers resembling miniature bottlebrushes
Flower Fragrance: The nectar-rich spring flowers are a massive magnet for native birds, bees, and beneficial pollinators.
Flower Season: Late spring & Summer
Melaleuca linariifolia 'Claret Tops' (commonly known as Claret Tops Honey Myrtle) is a highly ornamental, hardy Australian native evergreen shrub. It is widely celebrated for its dense, fine-textured foliage and its striking burgundy-to-claret-red new growth that contrasts beautifully against mature grey-green leaves. Thanks to its naturally dense structure, it makes an excellent, low-maintenance low hedge or border separator.
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade.
Water requirement: Low, once established.
Watering frequency: Frequent watering to establish, but becomes highly drought-tolerant once established.
Soil: Highly adaptable to most soil profiles—including clay, sand, and loam—but strictly prefers a well-draining system.
Skill level: Beginner
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, ideal for pots. It adapts brilliantly to structural trimming (such as topiary balls) and thrives just as well in large patio containers as it does in the ground.
Mature Height: 1.2 to 1.5m
Mature Width: 1m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Highly drought tolerant once established.
Frost Tolerant: Moderate
Wind Tolerant: Moderate
Leaf colour: Fine, narrow, and soft needle-like leaves. The iconic claret-red tips flush prominently on new growth, especially after a prune or during cooler months.
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: Small, narrow, and linear, typically measuring between 10mm and 25mm in length and only 1mm to 2mm in width.
Flower Colour: Cream-to-white
Flower Shape: Small, fluffy flowers resembling miniature bottlebrushes
Flower Fragrance: The nectar-rich spring flowers are a massive magnet for native birds, bees, and beneficial pollinators.
Flower Season: Late spring & Summer