Overview
Melaleuca ericifolia is a bushy shrubs in the genus Melaleuca, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melaleuca ericifolia 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 ericifolia, commonly known as swamp paperbark, is a bushy evergreen cultivar within the Melaleuca genus, which includes nearly 300 species of paper barks and honey myrtles native to Australia. This small tree features white, papery bark and smooth, oily leaves, with white flowers that resemble brushes appearing in spring and summer. It thrives in full sun and prefers sheltered positions with moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils, tolerating a range of soil pH levels. Suitable for Mediterranean climates, it is often grown in patios, containers, conservatories, or greenhouses and requires staking when young.
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 ericifolia 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 ericifolia
- 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 ericifolia?
Melaleuca ericifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melaleuca ericifolia need?
Melaleuca ericifolia 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 ericifolia hardy in the UK?
Melaleuca ericifolia 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 ericifolia?
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 ellipticagranite bottlebrush
- Melaleuca gibbosaslender honey myrtle
- Melaleuca glaberrima
- Melaleuca hypericifoliabottlebrush flower
