General Description:
Melaleuca calothamnoides is a small to medium shrub from 0.8 to 3 metres high. The linear leaves are rounded in cross section (terete) and about 20 mm long. Flowers occur in bottlebrush-like clusters and are usually red/orange with a greenish centre. The clusters are usually borne on short branches off the main stems.
Melaleuca calothamnoides has been in cultivation for many years but is not widely grown. It is one of the hardier Western Australian species in humid areas of the east coast where western species can be difficult to establish. It has proven to be hardy in well drained soils in a sunny position. Plants are tolerant of at least moderate frost and respond to pruning to maintain a bushy shape.
Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings.
Melaleuca calothamnoides
Photo: Murray Fagg – Australian National Botanic Gardens