Melaleuca nesophila or Pink melaleuca

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Care of the shrub Melaleuca nesophila or Pink melaleuca

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

Common names: Showy honey-myrtle, Pink melaleuca. This species is native to Western Australia.

They are relatively fast growing evergreen shrubs or trees that reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height. They have rigid, alternate, elliptical, green leaves 2.5 cm (0.98") long. The showy and abundant pom-pom-shaped flowers (up to 3 cm/1.18" in diameter) can be pink, mauve or white. They bloom in spring and summer.

Pink melaleuca is ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens to form windbreaks, shrub groups, informal hedges and as isolated specimens. It's interesting to fix dry and sunny slopes.

Melaleuca nesophila grows best in full sun exposure facing south, southeast, or southwest; in semi-shade it produces fewer flowers. It resists occasional frosts down to -6 ºC (21-2 ºF).

Showy honey-myrtle prefers very well drained soils: sandy or light clay. Waterlogging causes the roots to rot.

Water moderately always waiting for the substrate to be completely dry.

Fertilize with mineral fertilizer in early spring.

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact appearance.

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

Pink melaleuca propagates by cuttings in summer or from seeds sown in winter or spring.