Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) - Evergreen Trees Direct
Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) - Evergreen Trees Direct

Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree)

40cm/45L Pot: Approx. 1.2 – 2.0 m tall
100L Pot: Approx. 2.5 – 3.5 m tall
200L Pot: Contact us for height information

Please note: These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

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Learn About Your New Melaleuca quinquenervia - Broad-leaved Paperbark

Melaleuca quinquenervia, commonly known as Broad-leaved Paperbark, is a hardy Australian native tree renowned for its distinctive peeling bark and creamy-white bottlebrush flowers that bloom from late summer to autumn. Growing 8–25 meters tall with a 5–10 meter spread, it features dull grey-green to mid-green lance- to egg-shaped leaves with prominent veins and soft-haired new growth.

This evergreen tree forms a broad, rounded canopy that provides light shade and attracts wildlife. Highly adaptable, it thrives in full sun to part shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, including poorly drained and seasonally waterlogged areas. Low-maintenance and resilient, it’s perfect for feature planting in gardens, parks, wetland restoration, and ecological revegetation projects—bringing texture, habitat value, and sculptural presence to any landscape.

Plant Profile
Planting & Spacing Tips
Post Planting Care
Tips for Various Soil Types

1. Botanical & Physical Characteristics

BOTANICAL NAME:
Melaleuca quinquenervia
GENUS:
Melaleuca
BOTANICAL SPECIES:
quinquenervia
COMMON NAME:
Broad-leaved Paperbark
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
EVERGREEN / DECIDUOUS:
Evergreen (foliage year round)
FOLIAGE TYPE
  • Broad
FORM & SHAPE
  • Broad

2. Growth & Environmental Conditions

GROWTH RATE
  • Fast Growth Rate
EXPECTED GROWTH PER YEAR

Approx 50 – 100 cm per year (moderate to fast)

MATURE HEIGHT

8m - 20m Approximately

MATURE WIDTH

5 – 10 metres

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE
  • Full Sun
  • Part Shade
FROST TOLERANCE

Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE?
Yes

3. Practical Uses & Flowering

USES:
  • Feature Tree
  • Shade Tree
  • Council or Civic Landscapes
  • Revegetation or Regeneration
  • Rural Property Planting
FLOWER COLOUR
Cream
FLOWER TYPE
  • Fluffy
FLOWERING PERIOD
  • Summer
  • Autumn

Planting Tips

Plant Spacing

Feature Planting: Space 6 – 10 m apart to allow canopy development
Habitat/Restoration Projects: 4 – 6 m for environmental density
Shelterbelts/Erosion Control: 5 – 7 m spacing depending on site needs

Ensuring A Strong Start

Planting Tips: Ensuring a Strong Start

Site Selection: Prefers full sun and moist, well-draining soils, but adapts to dry conditions once established.

Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper.

Planting: Ensure the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Backfill with native soil and water thoroughly.

Mulching: Apply a 5–7cm mulch layer around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Watering: Regular watering during establishment; deep watering during dry periods helps maintain lush foliage.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) for Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

  • 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
  • 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
  • 50cm Pot: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (D)
  • 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
  • 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
  • 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
  • 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
  • 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
  • 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Post Planting Care

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase (3 months), gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Long Term & Ongoing Care

Caring for Your Tree

Watering: Water regularly while young; once mature, it requires minimal watering unless in extreme drought.

Fertilizing: Generally does not require fertilization, but a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer can encourage growth in poor soils.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required, but light shaping after flowering can enhance appearance.

Pest & Disease Monitoring: Generally pest-free, but keep an eye out for scale insects or fungal issues in overly damp conditions.

Growing Your Melaleuca quinquenervia (paper bark tree) in Various Soil Types

How to Grow in Different Soil Types

Melaleuca quinquenervia is highly adaptable and thrives in both wet and dry conditions, making it one of the best choices for variable environments:

Sandy Soil: Requires regular watering initially, but thrives in coastal and floodplain areas.

Clay Soil: Naturally tolerant of compacted and waterlogged soils, making it an excellent choice for clay-heavy sites.

Loamy Soil: Ideal for balanced growth, offering good moisture retention and aeration.

Acidic or Alkaline Soil: Tolerates a wide pH range, making it highly versatile.

Here is what customers like you frequently ask

FAQ

Q: Is Melaleuca quinquenervia suitable for wet areas?
A: Yes, it thrives in waterlogged or seasonally inundated soils, making it ideal for wetland restoration and riparian planting.

Q: Can Melaleuca quinquenervia be pruned to control size?
A: Yes, it responds well to pruning, especially when young, to shape form or manage height.

Q: Does it attract wildlife?
A: Absolutely. The creamy-white flowers attract bees, butterflies, and nectar-feeding birds.

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