Melaleuca decussata — Bushy

Overview

Melaleuca decussata is a bushy shrubs in the genus Melaleuca, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melaleuca decussata grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Melaleuca decussata, commonly known as cross-leaf honey-myrtle or totem poles, is a plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae native to South Australia and both native and naturalised in Victoria. It is an adaptable shrub, grown in many parts of Australia for its attractive foliage but it is regarded as an environmental weed in parts of Victoria. In the garden it prefers full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). Suggested uses include mediterranean climate plants, patio and container plants and conservatory and greenhouse. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and east-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Stake when young.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Melaleuca decussata

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Melaleuca

Sunlight: Full sun
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H2

Plant details

Melaleuca decussata size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Shrubs, Trees
Habit: Bushy
Foliage: Evergreen
Suggested uses: Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Melaleuca decussata

Propagation: Sow seed in spring, root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistance: Glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects
Disease resistance: Generally disease-free