Melaleuca Species, Manuka, Narrow-Leaved Paperbark, Tea Tree

Melaleucaalternifolia

Family
Myrtaceae (mir-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Melaleuca (me-luh-LOO-kuh)
Species
alternifolia (al-tern-ee-FOH-lee-uh)
Synonym
Melaleuca linariifolia var. alternifolia
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Evergreen
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)
Bloom Color
Cream/Tan
Bloom Time
Blooms repeatedly
Other Details
Category
Shrubs
Trees
Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
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

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Gardener's Notes:

1
positive
2
neutrals
0
negative
Sort By:
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G
Sealy, TX (Zone 9a) | October 2010 | positive

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 a...Read More

C
Boise, ID (Zone 7a) | October 2007 | neutral

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 v...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | June 2005 | neutral

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 t...Read More

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Pied Myna
(Gracupica contra)