Melaleuca linariifolia – Snow-in-Summer

Description

Melaleuca linariifolia – Snow-in-Summer Paperbark

Family: Myrtaceae
Packet Size: Approx. 500+ seeds

Description

Melaleuca linariifolia, also called Snow-in-Summer or Narrow-leaved Paperbark, is an eastern Australian native tree that can seem covered in snow when its white flower spikes open. Feathery masses of stamens stand out against small, narrow green leaves, while pale, papery bark adds texture throughout the year.

Native to New South Wales and Queensland, this fast-growing paperbark makes an attractive specimen, broad screen or wildlife-friendly addition to a sizeable garden. It commonly reaches around 5–7 m in favourable conditions, sometimes more.

Key Features

• Flowers: Abundant white to creamy-white spikes, particularly in spring and early summer.
• Foliage: Narrow, aromatic-looking green leaves and an attractive, spreading canopy.
• Garden value: A useful shelter or screening tree with nectar-rich flowers.

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun gives the strongest flowering; light shade is tolerated.
• Soil: Adaptable to sand, loam and clay, including sites with periodic moisture.
• Climate: Suited to warm temperate and subtropical gardens; established trees tolerate moderate frost.
• Care: Water young plants and prune lightly after flowering if a denser screen is wanted.

Propagation from Seed

• Prepare: The extremely fine Melaleuca seed needs no nicking or scratching the seed coat or hot-water treatment.
• Sow: Scatter sparingly over moist, fine-textured seed-raising mix and press into the surface, covering only very lightly if at all.
• Germinate: Keep in bright filtered light with steady gentle moisture. Bottom watering helps prevent tiny seeds washing away.
• Pot on: Move established seedlings to individual tubes and gradually introduce more sun.