Melaleuca squarrosa
scented paperbark
An evergreen shrub or tree, to 5m in its native Australia, with small, pointed leaves arranged in neat ranks along the stems. In summer it produces small, fragrant creamy-white flowers, held in dense spikes that resemble a bottle-brush; these are followed by small, woody, cup-shaped fruits
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Cream White | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Commonly known as 'tea-tree', this is a genus of nearly 300 species of paper barks, honey myrtles or tea trees, endemic to Australia where they can be found near streams and swamps. These small trees have white, papery bark and soft, smooth oily leaves. Flowers are white and brush-like
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould, in full light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately while in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in spring, or root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Wall side borders
Pruning
See pruning group 1; plants under glass may need restrictive pruning after flowering
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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