How to Grow Melaleuca Paperbark

Paperbarks (Melaleuca spp.) are small trees or shrubs that are known for their showy flowers (similar to those of bottlebrush) and their decorative, papery bark. They are a great native or small shrub to have in your garden with a sweet honey-like scent that attracts bees to your garden when they are in full flower.

Full sun to half shade

Water well after planting, requires little water once established

Can tolerate all soil types

All year, except in the colder climates

How to grow melaleuca paperbark in a garden

Step 1

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to half shade. Prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Step 2

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 3

Position in hole and backfill, gently firming down. Form a raised ring around the plant, creating a well so that water will go where it’s needed most. Water in well.

Step 4

Mulch around the base with organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 5

Feed in Autumn and Spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser. to ensure strong root development.

How to grow melaleuca paperbark in a pot

Step 1

Choose a dwarf or small shrub variety.

Step 2

Choose a place in the garden that gets full sun to half shade.

Step 3

Fill the pot with a quality potting mix, such as Yates Potting Mix with Dynamic Lifter.

Step 4

Remove the plant from the container, gently tease the roots.

Step 5

Position in hole and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Step 6

Mulch around the base with organic mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.

Step 7

Feed lightly once a year with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.

Growing tips

Many of the varieties tolerate swampy conditions, strong winds and salt spray.
The most widely grown species include:

- Bracelet honey myrtle (M. armillaris), Height 5-6 m, Width 4 to 5 m.
- Dotted melaleuca (M. hypericifolia), Height 2-2.5 m, Width 2-2.5 m.
- Broadleaf paperbark (M. leucadendron), Height 6-9 m, Width 4-5 m.