Species punktree
cluster of creamy-white, small, fibrous flowers with woody, deep-brown stem

punktree

Melaleuca quinquenervia

Punktree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) is a species of shrub or tree native to New South Wales, Australia. It is highly adaptable and drought tolerant, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. It grows to about 3m tall and 4m wide and displays lovely, white, papery bark. Its tiny leaves are aromatic and have a spicy scent when crushed. White-purple bottlebrush-like flowers adorn the branches in late spring and summer, providing a delicious nectar for bees. Lean, zombie-like branches give punktree an eerie, almost otherworldly appearance when flowering, making it an interesting and attractive addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Air Layering Propagation,Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation,Division

Hardiness Zone:

9 - 11

Flowers:

Creamy white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Water punktree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) regularly and deeply. During the active growing season, you should water the tree once per week with about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water or enough to moisten the soil to a depth of 8 inches (20 cm). During the heat of the summer, you might need to water a little bit more. However, during the dormant season water only when necessary. Water during this time when the soil feels dry or when the leaves droop. Over-watering can be a problem and could lead to root rot.

sunlight

Punktrees, also known as Melaleuca quinquenervia, are tropical plants native to Australia that thrive in sunny, humid environments. They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, best provided in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense. In addition, punktrees should be placed in an east- or west-facing window to maximize their natural light exposure. If grown indoors, punktrees can benefit from additional lighting, such as high intensity discharge (HID) or light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures.

pruning

Prune your Punktree (Melaleuca quinquenervia) in late winter or early spring for best results. Pruning should be kept to a minimum due to the fast-growing nature of this plant species. To maintain a desired size or shape, lightly prune the longer, new growth. This may involve cutting off a few inches of the tallest branches to encourage a more rounded shape. To encourage bushier growth, prune a light 1-third of the longest branches to a pair of lateral buds. Dead or diseased branches should be removed to promote plant health.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Melaleuca quinquenervia typically starts flowering in late spring, usually between September and November.

Hardiness Map