Melaleuca decussata
Totem poles
Overview
Melaleuca decussata is an evergreen shrub reaching 6-10 feet (2-3 m) tall and wide, with arching branches and papery pale-brown bark that peels in strips. The common name refers to the small grey-green leaves, 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) long, arranged in decussate pairs with each pair set at right angles to the next along the stems; the foliage is aromatic when crushed. From late spring into summer, mauve to purple bottlebrush spikes 0.4-1 inch (10-25 mm) long open along the branches, the flower colour fading to cream as the spikes age. Woody seed capsules 0.1-0.2 inch (3-5 mm) wide persist in clusters along older wood. M. decussata occurs naturally along watercourses and floodplains in south-eastern Australia and tolerates both seasonal waterlogging and extended dry periods once established. In cultivation it reaches its mature size within four to five years. Plants grown in shade flower sparsely and develop an open, leggy habit, so density and flowering decline away from full sun.
Native Range
Melaleuca decussata is native to south-eastern Australia, occurring in South Australia, Victoria, and southern New South Wales. It grows along rivers, creeks, and floodplains, often in seasonally wet soils.Suggested Uses
M. decussata is used as an informal screen, windbreak, or low hedge, spaced 4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 m) apart, and in rain gardens and bank plantings where soils are periodically wet. It also suits coastal and low-water gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from late spring into summer, roughly November to January in the native range. The mauve to purple spikes are held along the branches and fade to cream as they age. Bees and nectar-feeding birds visit the flowers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
mauve to purple, fading creamFoliage Description
grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
M. decussata grows in full sun in most well-drained soils, including clay and sandy loams, and tolerates seasonal waterlogging as well as dry periods once established. Watering through the first one to two growing seasons supports establishment, after which mature plants need little supplementary water. It withstands light to moderate frost, suiting USDA zones 8-10. Flowering and density decline in shade. A spring application of low-phosphorus fertiliser suits this phosphorus-sensitive genus.Pruning
Light pruning immediately after flowering, cutting flowered stems back by up to one-third, keeps the shrub dense. M. decussata reshoots from older wood, so harder renewal pruning is tolerated. Tip-pruning of young plants encourages branching.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 7 gallons