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Melaleuca linariifolia

Flaxleaf Paperbark

Plant photo of: Melaleuca linariifolia
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Information by: Plant Nerd and SelecTree        Photographer: Normans/Jacobs/Frommer

 

Description

Flaxleaf Paperbark (Melaleuca linariifolia) is native to Australia and is in the same family as Eucalyptus. This is an excellent tree for small to medium-sized California-friendly gardens, as it matures at 20’-30' tall and wide. When the tree is young, it tends to have an irregular shrub shape, so it will require some regular pruning to achieve the desired tree look. This can be shaped into a single-trunk tree by removing the lower branches and allowing the main trunk to develop new upper growth, or it can be left as a multi-trunk tree by keeping the lower branches but clipping off the leaves up to where you would like the canopy to begin. This tree is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil, so planting with some cactus mix or other porous medium can improve the environment for the roots. There is no need for fertilizing. This tree should be planted at least five feet away from any hardscape areas, 15 feet from structures such as houses and buildings, and not near any powerlines. Shrubs and perennials should be planted about three feet away from this tree. It should be irrigated for about 45 minutes once a week when using most in-line drip irrigation systems.

 

Plant Type

Tree

Height Range

12-25', 25-40'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Summer

Leaf Color

Blue Green, Grey Green, Silver

Bark Color

White

Fruit Color

Brown

Fruit Season

Fall

Leaf Season

Evergreen

Sun

Full

Water

Low

Growth Rate

Fast, Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral, Basic

Adverse Factors

Messy

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Summer

Location Uses

Background, Lawn, Park, Street Tree

Special Uses

Screen, Wind Break, Fire Resistant

Attracts Wildlife

Birds

Water Saving Tip:

Be sure to fix all leaks promptly no matter how small they may seem.