Leptospermum scoparium ‘Ruby Glow’
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Ruby Glow New Zealand Tea Tree
Ruby Glow New Zealand Tea Tree
Leptospermum scoparium ‘Ruby Glow’
Ruby Glow New Zealand Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium 'Ruby Glow'), also known as Manuka, is an eye-catching flowering evergreen shrub with year-round appeal. From spring through summer, its branches are covered in a profusion of dainty ruby-red, saucer-shaped double flowers with dark centers. The dense, needle-like dark green foliage turns a striking coppery-bronze in the fall, lasting through winter. In contrast, the foliage of its larger counterpart, Leptospermum 'Helene Strybing', stays consistently green throughout the year.
Reaching up to 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide, ‘Ruby Glow’ thrives in full sun and is both drought-tolerant and adaptable to various soil types. It’s well-suited for coastal and urban conditions. This versatile shrub can serve as a backdrop, a privacy screen, a formal or informal hedge, or even as a specimen plant in a large container. It responds well to pruning and shaping, but should be pruned only after flowering to preserve the current season’s blooms. Under optimal conditions, it can grow 1-2 feet per year.
Planting – Choose a location that receives full sun to partial shade, with at least six hours of sunlight per day. Leptospermum ‘Ruby Glow’ adapts well to coastal conditions and various soil types. Plant in well-draining soil, or amend with G&B Organics Planting Mix or Kellogg Gromulch 2-in-1 Planting Mix to improve drainage.
Watering – During the first year, water 1-2 times per week, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry between waterings to establish a deep root system. Once established, water deeply every 2-4 weeks during the dry season, adjusting for local conditions—coastal areas may need less, while hotter inland areas may require more. During extended droughts, monitor for signs of stress and increase deep watering as needed.
Pruning – Prune after flowering to shape the plant, stimulate new growth, and increase foliage density. Leptospermum responds well to pruning, but avoid removing any of the current season’s flowers. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches as needed to maintain plant health.
Leptospermum ‘Ruby Glow’ – Spacing Guide
When planting Leptospermum ‘Ruby Glow’ for either a formal or informal hedge, spacing will depend on the desired effect and container size. Below are the recommended spacing options, along with the number of shrubs needed for 20 linear feet.
Formal Hedge Spacing
For immediate, dense coverage, full look upon planting. Use the following spacing recommendations based on container size:
Container Size | Spacing On-Center | Shrubs per 20 ft |
---|---|---|
15 Gallon | 24 inches | 10 |
5 Gallon | 18 inches | 13-14 |
Informal Hedge Spacing
For a more relaxed and natural look, consider the following spacing recommendations:
Container Size | Spacing On-Center | Shrubs per 20 ft |
---|---|---|
15 Gallon | 42 inches | 5-6 |
5 Gallon | 24 inches | 10 |
On-Center Spacing
On-center spacing is measured from the center of one plant to the center of the next plant. This method ensures even distribution and helps achieve a uniform hedge.
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