Consulta Plantas

Care of the shrub Melaleuca elliptica or Granite honey-myrtle

The genus Melaleuca, family Myrtaceae, comprises 200 species of shrubs and small trees native to Australia. Some species are: Melaleuca elliptica, Melaleuca styphelioides, Melaleuca nesophila, Melaleuca linariifolia, Melaleuca huegelii, Melaleuca ericifolia, Melaleuca megacephala, Melaleuca alternifolia, Melaleuca armillaris, Melaleuca viridiflora.

Common names: Granite honey-myrtle, Granite bottlebrush. This species is native to western Australia.

Melaleuca elliptica is a very branched evergreen shrub with a rounded shape that reaches 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The elliptical, greyish-green leaves are 12 mm (0.47") long; the leaves take on violet tones in the cold. The large, brush-shaped red flowers are 8 cm (3.14") long. It can bloom in spring, summer and autumn.

Granite honey-myrtle is used to create screens, as an isolated specimen, in bushy groups and on dry, sunny slopes. It is ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Melaleuca elliptica needs full sun exposure and a warm, dry climate. It resists non-persistent frosts.

Although it prefers sandy, well-drained soil, it also grows in clay soils but will grow less.

Granite bottlebrush is a drought-resistant plant that needs moderate watering, waiting for the substrate to dry completely.

Fertilize once at the beginning of spring with mineral fertilizer and in autumn with a little organic matter.

It is important to prune in late winter to control its unruly growth.

Melaleuca elliptica is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

Granite honey-myrtle is propagated from seeds sown in spring and by cuttings in late summer.

Images of the shrub Melaleuca elliptica or Granite honey-myrtle