Melaleuca Species, Manuka, Narrow-Leaved Paperbark, Tea Tree
Melaleuca alternifolia
| Family: | Myrtaceae (mir-TAY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Melaleuca (me-luh-LOO-kuh) (Info) |
| Species: | alternifolia (al-tern-ee-FOH-lee-uh) (Info) |
| Synonym: | Melaleuca linariifolia var. alternifolia |
Category:
Shrubs
Trees
Water Requirements:
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Foliage:
Evergreen
Foliage Color:
Height:
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
Spacing:
10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
15-20 ft. (4.7-6 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:
Danger:
Bloom Color:
Cream/Tan
Bloom Characteristics:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size:
Bloom Time:
Blooms repeatedly
Other details:
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From seed; germinate in a damp paper towel
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting:
Regional
This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:
La Canada Flintridge, California
Upper Marlboro, Maryland
Bellaire, Texas
Houston, Texas
Sealy, Texas
Gardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Oct 20, 2010, graciemae from Sealy, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: I planted this tree as a small specimen and it grew to the top of my second story house in 7 years. It has bloomed the last four years and I've never had any plants come up from the seed. This was in a partly sunny area with sprinkler system. |
| Neutral | On Oct 28, 2007, cmarlow41 from Boise, ID (Zone 7a) wrote: I bought this as a small plant intending to use it as a topiary. I didn't get around to forming it, and it is now about 8 feet tall and very "thin" looking; like an anemic Norfolk Island Pine. I am zone 7a and have to overwinter this in the greenhouse but next year I will plant it in the garden bed and see if it will get stronger. |
| Neutral | On Jun 18, 2005, palmbob from Acton, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: This is the source of Tea tree oil, used in so many dermatologic preparations. Not sure why it's listed above as a plant you dont want to let dry out.. this is an extremely drought tolerant plant, once established, that is. |
