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.