Melaleuca nesophila
Melaleuca nesophila
This plant is spectacular when in flower and a very attractive plant all year round. It is very hardy in most soils and aspects. It is frost hardy to about -7C. There must have been a severe frost in my daughter’s neighbourhood last winter as all the Melaleuca nesophila bushes in the neighbours’ yards were burnt. It is a fast growing screen or feature plant.
Would this be suitable for growing on the NSW Central Coast? Fairly windy aspect at times.
Hi Denise,
Melaeuca nesophila is frequently used in wind breaks amd hedges. Its only requirement really is good drainage. It grows in clay soils so long as drainage is reasonable. The addition of gypsum helps if this is a problem.
[…] Melaleuca nesophila (Showy Honeymyrtle) There was a comment on the previous mention of Melaleuca nesophila which sent me to the books again and Australian Plant Society informatiom. […]
My ‘Perth Pink’ is about 4 yrs old & while there has been some growth it remains quite small & flowers for only 2-3 weeks. What additional care should I be providing? How much pruning should I do?
‘Perth Pink’ is a very pretty Callistemon, which are related to Melaleuca. generally these will take slow release type fertilisers like those based on chicken manure, or granular slow release. They also like extra water. The best way to prune both Callistemons and Melaleucas is to cut stems as though for a vase, or when finished the best of flowering, cut behind the seed pod. Tip pruning later also enourages new growths and therefore mor flowers. Be careful with some Melaleucas that flower on old wood. Tip pruning would be best unless the plant needs a good tidy up.
I have a showy honey myrtle in my perth garden but it has become quite woody and isnt flowering the last few years. It’s probably 15-20 yrs old now. can I prune it back hard (maybe 50 %)? to rejuvenate it or will it kill it?