The Ruby Glow Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium ‘Ruby Glow’) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its vibrant blooms and unique foliage. Its appealing aesthetic and adaptability make it a suitable addition to various garden styles.
Key Characteristics of Ruby Glow Tea Tree
The Ruby Glow Tea Tree typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 5 feet wide, forming an upright, densely branched shrub. Its small, needle-like, dark-green leaves are aromatic when crushed and may develop a coppery-bronze or purple tinge in cooler weather, persisting through winter. From spring through summer, the plant produces profuse, ruby-red, double flowers with dark centers, resembling tiny roses. This species is hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, tolerating temperatures as low as 0°C (32°F).
Planting and Establishing Your Ruby Glow Tea Tree
The Ruby Glow Tea Tree performs best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, though it can tolerate some partial shade. It prefers well-draining soil and adapts well to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay, with a preference for slightly acidic to neutral pH levels.
To prepare the planting site, ensure the soil drains effectively. If your soil drains poorly, amend it with organic matter like compost to improve aeration and drainage. Dig a hole twice the width of the plant’s root ball and of equal depth. Place the plant in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
After placing the plant, backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the base. Water the Ruby Glow Tea Tree thoroughly to establish its root system. During the first year, water 1-2 times per week, allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to encourage deep root development.
Ongoing Care for Ruby Glow Tea Tree
Once established, the Ruby Glow Tea Tree becomes drought-tolerant. During dry seasons, water deeply every 2-4 weeks, adjusting based on local climate conditions. Overwatering should be avoided, as this plant is susceptible to root rot in overly moist conditions. Applying a layer of mulch around the base helps conserve soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize the Ruby Glow Tea Tree with a balanced fertilizer every two months during the growing season (spring through summer). Reduce fertilization to once in the fall and withhold it during winter. A slow-release fertilizer applied in spring can also provide essential nutrients for development and vibrant blooms. Avoid getting fertilizer on the leaves.
Pruning maintains shape, encourages bushier growth, and promotes a robust display of flowers. The best time to prune is after flowering, in late spring or early summer, to avoid removing the current season’s blooms. Remove any dead or diseased branches and thin crowded areas to improve air circulation within the canopy. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood, as new growth may not sprout from these areas.
The Ruby Glow Tea Tree is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil remains waterlogged; proper drainage is the primary preventative measure. In colder regions, providing winter protection, such as mulching, can be beneficial if temperatures drop to the lower end of its hardiness range.
Addressing Common Issues
Yellowing leaves can indicate chlorosis, which occurs when alkaline soil prevents nutrient absorption. Amending the soil to lower its pH can help resolve this issue.
A lack of blooms can stem from insufficient sunlight, improper watering, or overfeeding with nitrogen. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sun daily for optimal flowering. Improper watering (too much or too little) can stress the plant and reduce flower production. Overfeeding with nitrogen promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Leggy growth, where the plant appears sparse, can be addressed through regular pruning after flowering. This encourages a more compact habit by stimulating new shoots and improving overall plant shape.