Melaleuca squarrosa

RHS Plant Profile
scented paperbark

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Other common names

Australian swamp tea tree, Tasmanian swamp tea tree

Shrubs Trees
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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Myrtaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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