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 nesophila is one of the most widely cultivated members of the genus and is well established in general horticulture.

The species forms a large shrub of 4-5 metres in both height and width. The flowers occur in globular shaped clusters of about 25 mm diameter at the ends of the branches. The flowers are purple in colour with yellow-tipped stamens and are well displayed. Flowering occurs in late spring through to mid summer.

The leaves are elliptical in shape and about 20mm long.

Although native to a dry summer climate M.nesophila has been grown successfully in the wetter summer conditions of Australia’s east coast in well drained, sunny positions. The species responds to annual fertilising after flowering and to an annual light pruning to encourage a bushy shape. Under ideal conditions the species is quick growing and makes a good screening plant.

Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings.