About
Melaleuca squarrosa, the scented paperbark, is an evergreen shrub or tree to 5 m producing small, pointed leaves arranged in neat ranks along the stems. In summer it bears dense spikes of perfumed, creamy-white, bottlebrush-type flowers followed by small, woody, cup-shaped fruits. A rewarding and fragrant plant for a frost-free, sunny, well-drained garden.
About the genus
Melaleuca, the paperbarks and tea-trees, are nearly 300 species of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees with small, often aromatic, leathery leaves, papery or fibrous bark and brush-like spikes of flowers in white, yellow, pink or red. Grown in frost-free, sunny, well-drained gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs, Trees
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toAustralia
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added leaf mould, in full light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately while in growth and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter
PruningSee pruning group 1; plants under glass may need restrictive pruning after flowering
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed in spring, or root semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and scale insects
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free