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Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree)

Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree)

Most loved for its rugged, gnarled form, masses of creamy-white bottlebrush flowers, and resilience in coastal and dry conditions, making it an enduring feature in Australian landscapes.

Regular price $140.00
Sale price $140.00 Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
Pot size
Available batches
Size: 25L
Current height guide
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Pot size
25L

Approximate only. Minimum height important? Confirm with us.

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Quantity

Order multiple sizes

Mix pot sizes and batches in one order.

Size / batchEachQuantity
25LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$140.00
40cm/45LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$280.00
70LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$460.00
100LApprox. height: Enquire for current heights$700.00

Height guide & disclaimer

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you must confirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Subtotal before discounts & delivery$0.00

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    About Melaleuca lanceolata

    Melaleuca lanceolata develops a gnarled, wind-sculpted trunk and dense dark canopy that defines the character of southern Australian coastlines. The Moonah handles salt-laden wind, sand and drought that would strip almost any other tree, while carrying masses of creamy-white bottlebrush flowers in spring.

    Melaleuca lanceolata grows to 5 to 12 metres tall and 3 to 6 metres wide at 30 to 60 centimetres per year, with the eventual size depending heavily on exposure. In sheltered inland positions it grows taller and straighter; on the front line of a coastal site it stays low, broad and sculptural.

    This Australian native is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and tolerates poor sandy soils, limestone, salt and extended dry. It grows in full sun and is a standard choice for coastal revegetation and shelterbelt planting.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Melaleuca lanceolata

    How big does the Moonah tree grow?

    Melaleuca lanceolata reaches 5 to 12 metres tall and 3 to 6 metres wide. Exposed coastal specimens stay much shorter and broader with a characteristic wind-sculpted form.

    Is Moonah salt tolerant?

    Yes. It is among the most salt and wind tolerant trees available in southern Australia and is a standard choice for front-line coastal and dune planting.

    When does Melaleuca lanceolata flower?

    Masses of creamy-white bottlebrush flowers appear through spring, attracting bees, native pollinators and small insect-feeding birds.

    Is Moonah an Australian native?

    Yes. It is native to coastal and semi-arid southern Australia, and remnant Moonah woodland is a recognised vegetation community in parts of Victoria.

    Is Melaleuca lanceolata frost hardy?

    Yes. It is frost hardy and survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, and also tolerates extended drought and limestone soils.

    How fast does the Moonah grow?

    It grows at a moderate 30 to 60 centimetres per year. Growth is slower in exposed coastal sites, which is what produces the gnarled sculptural form.

    How far apart should I plant Moonah for a windbreak?

    Plant 2 to 3 metres apart for a dense coastal windbreak, or 4 to 6 metres apart as individual feature trees where the trunk character can develop.

    Foliage

    Evergreen (foliage year round)

    Position
    • Full Sun
    Form
    • Broad
    • Spreading
    Use
    • Screening or Privacy
    • Avenue Planting
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    • Feature Tree
    Mature height
    5m to 12m (approx.)
    Mature width
    3m to 6m

    Planting Information

    How To Plant Your Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree)

    Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

    Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

    Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

    Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

    Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree)

    Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

    Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

    Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm (moderate) per year (approx.).

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Long Term Care For Your Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree)

    Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, reduce to once weekly in dry periods. Mulch helps maintain consistent moisture.

    Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

    Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape if used as hedging or screening. For a clear trunk feature, remove lower branches as the tree grows.

    Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

    Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional scale or caterpillar inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

    Planting Your Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) in Different Soil

    Melaleuca lanceolata performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

    Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

    Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

    Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

    pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

    Uses in my Garden

    Uses in my Garden

    • Screening or Privacy
    • Avenue Planting
    • Rural Property Planting
    • Council or Civic Landscapes
    • Feature Tree

    Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) works in an:

    • Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
    • Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
    • Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

    Is Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) Evergreen or Deciduous?

    Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

    Mature Height & Width

    Mature Height: 5m to 12m (approx.)

    Mature Width: 3m to 6m

    Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm (moderate) per year (approx.).

    Growth Rate of Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree)

    Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) is expected to grow 30cm to 60cm (moderate) per year (approx.).

    They are considered to have a:

    • Medium Growth Rate

    Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree)

    Is Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) frost tolerant?

    Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

    Does Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) Flower?

    Melaleuca lanceolata produces masses of creamy-white, bottlebrush-style flowers from late spring through summer. These soft, fluffy blooms form along the stems in dense clusters, standing out beautifully against the dark, fine-textured foliage and providing a gentle, airy seasonal display.

    Does Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) flower?

    • Yes - Flowers

    Flowering Period:

    • Spring

    Flower Type:

    • Fluffy

    Flower Colour:

    White

    Is Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) an Australian Native Tree?

    Yes

    Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) is Native to Native to southern Australia, including coastal regions of Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, where it grows in sandy soils and windswept sites.

    What is the Wildlife Value of Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) ?

    Its nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies and beetles, while the dense, twisting canopy offers superb shelter and nesting habitat for small birds. The rough bark and branching structure also support insects and microfauna, making Moonah one of the best species for enhancing biodiversity in coastal and native garden designs.

    How much Sunlight does Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) need?

    Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) will thrive best in:

    • Full Sun

    Preferred Soil?

    Melaleuca lanceolata performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It is highly adaptable to coastal and poorer soils but may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with coarse sand and organic matter to increase drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, infrequent watering as the tree matures to support its drought resilience, dense canopy and reliable flowering.

    Is Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) Drought Tolerant?

    Is Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) Drought tolerant?

    As a young plant it requires regular watering, but once established the Moonah Tree develops excellent drought tolerance. Exceptionally hardy, it thrives in coastal, dry, windy and salt-exposed conditions and maintains strong evergreen growth with minimal supplementary watering.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    • Is the Moonah Tree suitable for coastal gardens?
      Yes, Melaleuca lanceolata is an excellent choice for coastal gardens due to its salt tolerance and ability to withstand coastal conditions.
    • Do Moonah Trees require special care for salt tolerance?
      While they are naturally salt-tolerant, providing regular watering and mulching can help maintain their health in coastal environments.
    • Can Moonah Trees be used for habitat restoration projects?
      Yes, they are valuable for habitat restoration, as they provide food and shelter for local wildlife, contributing to ecosystem restoration efforts.

    Compare sizes side by side

    25L

    Enquire for current heights

    40cm/45L

    Enquire for current heights

    70L

    Enquire for current heights

    100L

    Enquire for current heights

    Heights are approximate and vary between individual trees.

    Melaleuca lanceolata is loved for its rugged, gnarled form, masses of creamy-white bottlebrush flowers, and resilience in coastal and dry conditions, making it an enduring feature in Australian landscapes.

    We take pride in supplying A+ grade advanced trees. When stock at our farm is not yet ready, we work with our trusted trade suppliers to source the best available trees for your garden.

    Plant Your Melaleuca lanceolata (Moonah Tree) With:

    Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

    Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

    Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

    Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    About Enriched Planting Mix

    What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

    It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

    What plants is it suitable for?

    It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

    Is it safe for natives?

    No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

    Is it certified organic?

    Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

    How much do I need?

    Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

    Can I use it in pots?

    It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

    Does it need to be watered in?

    Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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