Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree)

• Feature Tree
• Shade Tree
• Council or Civic Landscapes
• Revegetation or Regeneration
• Rural Property Planting

Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark 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.

Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height: 8m - 20m Approximately

Mature Width: 5 – 10 metres

Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) is expected to grow Approx 50 – 100 cm per year (moderate to fast).

Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) is expected to grow Approx 50 – 100 cm per year (moderate to fast).

They are considered to have a:

• Fast Growth Rate

Is Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) frost tolerant?

Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

• Tropical QLD (Cairns, Townsville)
• Subtropical QLD (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast)
• Northern NSW (Byron, Coffs, Armidale)
• Sydney & Central Coast
• South Coast NSW (Illawarra to Bega)
• Inland NSW / Tablelands (Orange, Bathurst, Canberra)
• Melbourne & Surrounds (Metro, Bayside, Geelong, Bellarine, Mornington)
• Western District & Central VIC (Ballarat, Bendigo, Hamilton)
• Gippsland (Latrobe Valley, East Gippsland)
• Adelaide Metro & Coastal

Melaleuca quinquenervia produces creamy-white to soft yellow bottlebrush-style flowers from late spring through autumn. These fluffy cylindrical blooms occur in repeated flushes and contrast beautifully with the iconic layered papery bark and broad, bright green foliage.

Does Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) flower?

• Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

• Summer
• Autumn

Flower Type:

• Fluffy

Flower Colour:

Cream

Yes

Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) is Native to Native to coastal eastern Australia and southern New Guinea, where it grows in wetlands, swamps, and along waterways.

Its nectar-rich blooms attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies and a variety of beneficial insects. The thick, textured bark provides habitat for insects and microfauna, while the dense canopy offers excellent nesting and shelter for small birds. In wetland settings, it also supports frogs and moisture-loving wildlife, making it one of the most ecologically valuable native trees.

Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) will thrive best in:

• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Melaleuca quinquenervia performs best in moist, well-drained loam or sandy soils and tolerates slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Although adaptable, it may struggle in compacted, heavy clay unless improved with organic matter to enhance structure, drainage and aeration. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures to support its unique bark development, evergreen canopy health and steady seasonal flowering.

Is Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established the Paperbark Tree offers good drought tolerance. It thrives in both wet and dry conditions and is especially suited to seasonal flooding, though it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry spells to maintain vigorous growth.