Melaleuca thymifolia — Bushy

Overview

Melaleuca thymifolia is a bushy shrubs in the genus Melaleuca, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Melaleuca thymifolia 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 thymifolia, commonly known as thyme honey-myrtle, is a plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae and is native to eastern Australia. It is often noticed in spring, with its attractive, purple flowers and is one of the most commonly cultivated melaleucas. A fragrant shrub, it usually grows to about 1.0 m (3 ft) tall, has corky bark and slender, wiry stems. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). It works well for 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 thymifolia

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 thymifolia 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 thymifolia

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