Overview
Melaleuca gibbosa is a bushy shrubs in the genus Melaleuca, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melaleuca gibbosa 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 gibbosa, commonly known as the slender honey-myrtle or small-leaved honey-myrtle is a plant in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae and is endemic to southern Australia. It is a dense, bushy shrub that grows about 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall, with numerous slender, arching branches and oblong heads of mauve flower spikes in spring and sparsely throughout the year.
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 gibbosa 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 gibbosa
- 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 gibbosa?
Melaleuca gibbosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melaleuca gibbosa need?
Melaleuca gibbosa 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 gibbosa hardy in the UK?
Melaleuca gibbosa 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 gibbosa?
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 ericifoliaswamp paperbark
- Melaleuca glaberrima
- Melaleuca hypericifoliabottlebrush flower
