General Description:

Melaleuca is a large genus of around 245 species.  Most are found in Australia, especially in the south-west of Western Australia, with a few also occurring in New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and south-east Asia.  Some authorities now include the genus Callistemon in Melaleuca but this classification is not universally accepted (see Melaleuca and Callistemon: Why are they Different?).

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.