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| Category: Shrub |
| Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtles) |
| Origin: Australia (Australasia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Pale Yellow |
| Bloomtime: Spring/Summer |
| Height: 6-10 feet |
| Width: 6-12 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Seaside: Yes |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Melaleuca incana (Gray Honey-myrtle) - This is a fairly quick-growing shrub with wonderfully arching branches to about 10 feet tall and wide. The soft leaves are small (1/2 inch long), gray, narrow and linear-lanceolate in shape; they give the plant an overall soft look. Small dark reddish buds open to reveal light yellow bottle-brush flowers in late spring through early summer. Although it is drought resistant once established, it looks better with occasional watering. It can be damaged by hard frosts - cut back any damaged portions after the threat of all frosts has passed. It is hardy to 20 degrees F. A very attractive and durable soft foliaged plant that is great as a specimen plant. It comes from the southwestern tip or Western Australia. The name for the genus comes from the Greek words 'melas' meaning "black" and 'leukos" meaning "white" because the first Melaleuca to be described had lighter colored branches against a darker, possibly burnt trunk. The specific epithet means "hoary" or "white" in referrence to the hairy grey foliage. We also grow a low growing form called Melaleuca incana 'Prostrate Form'.
The information presented on this page is based on research we have conducted about this plant in our library and from reliable online sources. We also consider observations of it growing in our nursery crops, as well as in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens we visit. We will incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they include cultural information that would aid others in growing Melaleuca incana. |
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