Care of the shrub Melaleuca ericifolia or Swamp paperbark |
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The genus Melaleuca, family Myrtaceae, comprises 200 species of shrubs and small trees native to Australia. Some species are: Melaleuca ericifolia, Melaleuca nesophila, Melaleuca huegelii, Melaleuca megacephala, Melaleuca styphelioides, Melaleuca alternifolia, Melaleuca armillaris, Melaleuca linariifolia, Melaleuca viridiflora. Common name: Swamp paperbark. This species is native to south-eastern Australia. They are shrubs or small fast-growing evergreen trees that reach 9 meters (29.5 feet) in height. The leaves are linear, dark green and 1.5 cm (4.92 feet) long. They produce flower spikes filled with very attractive little white flowers. They bloom in spring and summer. Swamp paperbark is used to fix sandy slopes, to form bushy groups, to create windbreaks and as isolated specimens. It's ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens and for wet areas with heavy soils. Melaleuca ericifolia can grow in full sun and semi-shade exposures. It resists frost down to -8 ºC (17.6 ºF). Swamp paperbark grows in all types of soils: sandy, heavy clay, rocky, poor, etc. Water regularly throughout the year; they resist drought and swampy soils. Melaleuca ericifolia does not need fertilizers. Prune after flowering to keep it compact. Swamp paperbark is a resistant plant to the usual pests and diseases. Melaleuca ericifolia propagates by cuttings or from seeds sown in spring in the nursery. |
Images of the shrub Melaleuca ericifolia or Swamp paperbark |
 Melaleuca ericifolia  Melaleuca ericifolia |