Overview
Melaleuca elliptica is a bushy shrubs in the genus Melaleuca, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melaleuca elliptica 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 elliptica, commonly known as the granite bottlebrush is a plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to the south of Western Australia. The Noongar name for the plant is gnow. It is commonly grown in gardens because of its neat foliage and showy, bright red flower spikes although it needs to be pruned regularly to avoid becoming woody and untidy-looking. In nature, it usually grows in the shrub layer in mallee woodland or heath. 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 elliptica
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 elliptica 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 elliptica
- 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
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Melaleuca elliptica?
Melaleuca elliptica prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melaleuca elliptica need?
Melaleuca elliptica grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Melaleuca elliptica hardy in the UK?
Melaleuca elliptica has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Melaleuca elliptica?
Sow seed in spring, root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer.
More in the Melaleuca genus
- Melaleuca blaeriifolia
- Melaleuca bracteata
- Melaleuca decussata
- Melaleuca diosmifolia
- Melaleuca ericifoliaswamp paperbark
- Melaleuca gibbosaslender honey myrtle
- Melaleuca glaberrima
- Melaleuca hypericifoliabottlebrush flower
