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Melaleuca linearis var. linearis

Previously known as:

  • Callistemon rigidus
Phonetic Spelling
me-luh-LOO-kuh lin-ee-AIR-iss lin-ee-AIR-iss
Description

A broadleaf evergreen tropical shrub native to Australia in the Myrtaceae family.  It makes an excellent specimen plant or hedge in frost free areas or grown in containers or as a houseplant in colder climates.  This plant is moderately salt tolerant.

Seasons of Interest:

     Bloom: Summer

Wildlife Value:  Flowers provide nectar for bees.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious insect or disease problems. Watch for spider mites and scale, particularly on indoor plants. Root rot may occur in poorly drained soils.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#evergreen#houseplant#specimen#fragrant leaves#nectar plant#salt tolerant#interiorscape#winter interest#pollinator plant#bee friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical feel#container plant#hedge#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#fragrant#evergreen#houseplant#specimen#fragrant leaves#nectar plant#salt tolerant#interiorscape#winter interest#pollinator plant#bee friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#tropical feel#container plant#hedge#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Melaleuca
    Species:
    Melaleuca linearis
    Family:
    Myrtaceae
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    SE. Queensland to New South Wales
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers provide nectar for bees.
    Play Value:
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 4 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Tubular
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are numerous bushy bright red stamens that encircle the stem in cylindrical spikes (to 4” long) resembling bottlebrushes. They are followed by small, button-like, brown seed capsules.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Narrow, linear, dull green leaves (to 5” long) are fragrant when bruised.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Salt