Leptospermum Polygalifolium 'Copper Glow'

Copper Glow Tea Tree / Copper Glow Leptospermum

Botanical Name: Leptospermum polygalifolium ‘Copper Glow’
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Australia (hybrid selection of an Eastern Australian species)
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub

Overview

A striking, hardy Australian native shrub, Leptospermum ‘Copper Glow’ is prized for its rich burgundy–copper foliage and masses of small white flowers in spring. Perfectly suited to Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate, it thrives in heat, poor soils, wind, and low-water conditions, making it an excellent choice for modern native gardens, screening, and year-round colour contrast. Its fine foliage shifts in tone with the seasons, creating movement and warmth even in winter. Tough, reliable, and bird-friendly, it performs beautifully across coastal, suburban, and hills districts of South Australia.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2–3 m H × 1.5–2 m W – naturally dense, upright shrub
• Growth Rate: 20-40 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, narrow leaves with strong burgundy–copper tones that deepen in cold weather and flush warm red on new growth; foliage is lightly aromatic when handled
• Flowers: Small white to soft-cream single blooms in spring, often lightly blushed; attractive to insects
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round colour through copper and burgundy foliage; bright spring flower display and warm foliage tones intensifying in winter
• Wildlife Value: Highly attractive to native bees and beneficial insects; dense branching provides shelter for small birds
• Tolerance: Very drought-tolerant once established; excellent heat and wind tolerance; suitable for second-line coastal sites; handles light frost; thrives in poor or sandy soils common across coastal and metropolitan SA
• Planting Density: Screening: 1–1.2 m apart; Mass planting: 1–1.5 m apart; Feature planting: allow 1.8–2.5 m from other shrubs
• Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats and dogs; generally safe in family gardens

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade; strongest foliage colour develops in full sun
• Soil: Free-draining sandy or loamy soils; tolerates limestone, clay-loam (if well-drained), and mildly alkaline conditions
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 2–3 weeks in summer (weekly in heatwaves); minimal water required in winter
• Maintenance: Very low-maintenance. Lightly tip prune after flowering to maintain shape and density. Avoid heavy pruning into old wood. Apply a light native fertiliser in spring if desired. Mulch annually
• Lifespan: 10–20+ years in well-drained South Australian conditions
• Climate Zones: Ideal for Adelaide plains, Barossa, Fleurieu Peninsula, Yorke Peninsula, and coastal suburbs
• Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline; tolerant of mildly acidic soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Low-maintenance native screen or hedge with year-round colour
• Feature shrub for modern Australian planting styles
• Coastal and gravel gardens needing drought-tough structure
• Warm-toned contrast against silver foliage plants such as Westringia, Atriplex, and Leucophyta
• Mixed native borders for reliable structure and spring flowering

Why You Will Love It

‘Copper Glow’ delivers year-round impact with its deep burgundy–copper foliage, spring flowers, and exceptional toughness in heat and dry soils. Perfect for Adelaide’s climate, it brings structure, colour, and wildlife activity to any native or low-maintenance garden with virtually no fuss.