Overview
Melaleuca glaberrima is a bushy shrubs in the genus Melaleuca, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melaleuca glaberrima 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 glaberrima is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Myrtaceae, notable for dense, spreading growth and needle-like leaves. It produces profuse heads of pink to mauve flowers that flower in June to August and may fade paler with age. Plant it in full sun in a sheltered spot with moist but well-drained loam or sandy soil. It is rated H2 in the UK and suits patios, conservatories or Mediterranean-style borders.
About the genus
Melaleuca is a genus of nearly 300 species of plants in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, commonly known as paperbarks, honey-myrtles, bottlebrushes or tea-trees. They range in size from small shrubs that rarely grow to more than 1 m high, to trees up to 35 m (115 ft).
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 glaberrima 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 glaberrima
- 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 glaberrima?
Melaleuca glaberrima prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Melaleuca glaberrima need?
Melaleuca glaberrima 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 glaberrima hardy in the UK?
Melaleuca glaberrima 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 glaberrima?
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 gibbosaslender honey myrtle
- Melaleuca hypericifoliabottlebrush flower
