{"product_id":"melaleuca-claret-tops","title":"Melaleuca Claret Tops","description":"\u003ch2\u003eMelaleuca ‘Claret Tops’\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelaleuca ‘Claret Tops’ is a compact evergreen shrub known for its vibrant burgundy-red new growth and fine, textured foliage. A cultivated form of Melaleuca, it is widely used in hedging, screening, and feature planting where strong colour contrast and a dense structure are desired.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts rich foliage tones and tidy growth make it especially suited to modern landscapes and native-style gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBotanical name: \u003cem\u003eMelaleuca\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Claret Tops’\u003cbr\u003eCommon name: Claret Tops Melaleuca\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant type: Evergreen shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMature height: 2 to 4 metres\u003cbr\u003eMature width: 1.5 to 3 metres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTypical hedge height: 1.5 to 3 metres\u003cbr\u003eTypical hedge width: 1 to 2 metres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowth rate: Moderate to fast\u003cbr\u003eTime to maturity: Approximately 3 to 5 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowth Habit and Structure\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelaleuca ‘Claret Tops’ forms a dense, upright shrub with fine branching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNaturally bushy growth habit\u003cbr\u003eProduces a full, leafy structure from the base\u003cbr\u003eCan be shaped into hedges or maintained as a feature shrub\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts strong branching makes it ideal for screening and structured planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFoliage and Colour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe foliage is the key feature of this plant, providing striking colour contrast.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaves are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine, narrow, and soft in texture\u003cbr\u003eDensely arranged along stems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eColour variation:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew growth emerges deep burgundy to claret red\u003cbr\u003eMatures to rich green\u003cbr\u003eRegular flushing of coloured new growth throughout the year\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis contrast creates ongoing visual interest and highlights within the landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowth and Establishment\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelaleuca ‘Claret Tops’ establishes reliably and grows steadily.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEarly stage:\u003cbr\u003eDevelops a strong root system and base structure\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1–2 years:\u003cbr\u003eRapid increase in height and density\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3–5 years:\u003cbr\u003eReaches mature size with a full, established form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts growth rate makes it suitable for both quick screening and long-term planting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLight Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerforms best in full sun.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun:\u003cbr\u003eEnhances foliage colour and encourages dense growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for open, well-lit positions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWatering Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResponds well to regular watering during establishment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring establishment:\u003cbr\u003eWater consistently to support root development\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce established:\u003cbr\u003eWater as needed depending on conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn warmer periods:\u003cbr\u003eAdditional watering supports strong growth\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConsistent moisture during early stages promotes optimal performance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSoil Preferences\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerforms best in well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSandy soils\u003cbr\u003eLoam soils\u003cbr\u003eImproved clay soils\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdapts well to a range of soil types when drainage is adequate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePruning and Maintenance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighly responsive to pruning and easy to shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRegular trimming encourages dense growth and fresh coloured shoots\u003cbr\u003eIdeal for hedging and screening\u003cbr\u003eCan be maintained at a range of heights\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePruning enhances both structure and foliage colour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFertilising\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits from occasional feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eApply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season\u003cbr\u003eOrganic mulch improves soil condition\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeeding supports vigorous growth and colour development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFlowering Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProduces small, brush-like flowers typical of Melaleuca.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlowers are:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFine and soft in appearance\u003cbr\u003eUsually cream to pale in colour\u003cbr\u003eAppear seasonally along stems\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plant is primarily grown for its foliage colour and structure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpacing Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor hedging:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlant 1 to 1.5 metres apart\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCloser spacing creates faster coverage\u003cbr\u003eWider spacing suits larger plantings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLandscaping Uses\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelaleuca ‘Claret Tops’ is ideal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHedging and screening\u003cbr\u003eFeature planting\u003cbr\u003eNative and coastal gardens\u003cbr\u003eBackground planting\u003cbr\u003eAdding colour contrast\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts foliage colour makes it a standout structural plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eLongevity and Performance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA reliable, long-lasting shrub that maintains colour and structure over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvides consistent greenery with vibrant new growth\u003cbr\u003eSuitable for long-term landscape use\u003cbr\u003eMaintains a dense, uniform appearance with regular pruning\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSummary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMelaleuca ‘Claret Tops’ is an evergreen shrub growing to approximately 2–4 metres tall and 1.5–3 metres wide. It establishes within 3–5 years, forming a dense plant with fine foliage and distinctive burgundy-red new growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts strong colour contrast, fast growth, and versatility make it an excellent choice for hedging, screening, and feature planting in a wide range of landscapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Nurso","offers":[{"title":"200mm","offer_id":51570844860712,"sku":null,"price":24.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/6847\/6200\/files\/ChatGPTImageMar30_2026_05_56_36AM_c721e952-bd8a-4473-b8f7-7148a477853b.png?v=1774814336","url":"https:\/\/www.thenurso.au\/products\/melaleuca-claret-tops","provider":"The Nurso","version":"1.0","type":"link"}