Green honey-myrtle
A wonderful green flowering plant, Melaleuca diosmifolia is a fascinating green ‘bottlebrush’ type flower, it should be a real star in the garden. The green flowers are the main attraction and along with the foliage, they do look great as cut flowers as well.
An excellent plant for attracting birds and bees to the garden, the common name is ‘Green Honey Myrtle’. With a very dense growth habit and a fairly fast growth rate Melaleuca diosmifolia is well suited as a screening plant. Perticularly suited to this use in coastal situations.
If you are looking for other native plants with green flowers, you could consider, Callistemon pinifoliusThe Green Bottlebrush.
Melaleuca diosmifolia – Key Features Summary Information
- Height: 2 to 4 meters
- Spread: 2 to 4 meters
- Growth Rate: Fast to medium
- Position: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Well-drained, humus-rich
- Flowers: Lime green, bottlebrush-shaped
- Foliage: Small, mid-green leaves
- Flowering Period: Summer
- Frost Tolerance: Tolerates mild frosts
- Drought Tolerance: Yes, once established
- Coastal Conditions: Yes, thrives in coastal gardens
- Final Thoughts on Green Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca diosmifolia)
Originally from southern coastal areas of Western Australia Melaleuca diosmifolia is a fascinating green flowering species. It is a vigorous species, dense growing and spreads easily. However Melaleuca diosmifolia does have its problems if not kept under control.
In the garden, given a little room and some pruning it presents few problems. In the wild, with its fast growing nature, it has a tendency to decrease the diversity of local species and increases fire load if it ‘escapes’ the garden into bush or coastal areas.
Reaching around 3m this is a plant that can be tip pruned, and indeed it is a plant that could be used to make a small informal hedge
We Are Asked
- How Big Does Honey Myrtle Grow?
Green Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca diosmifolia) typically reaches a height of 2 to 4 meters, with a spread of 2 to 4 meters as well. The plant’s growth size will depend on factors such as soil conditions, climate, and how much pruning it receives. - How Do You Care for Green Honey Myrtles?
Caring for a Green Honey Myrtle is relatively easy once it’s established. It thrives in humus-rich, well-drained soils and requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. The plant is drought-tolerant once established but should be watered regularly during its initial growth period. Pruning is recommended to maintain a dense shape and prevent overgrowth, which is especially helpful when using it as a hedge or screening plant.
- Can You Eat Honey Myrtle?
While Melaleuca diosmifolia is primarily grown for ornamental purposes, its nectar-rich flowers can attract bees, and some parts of the plant may be used in traditional herbal remedies. However, it’s not commonly used for culinary purposes, and consumption should be avoided unless confirmed safe by a specialist in edible plants. - What is Honey Myrtle Used For?
Green Honey Myrtle is an excellent plant for attracting pollinators like bees and birds to your garden. Its dense growth habit and fast growth rate make it an ideal choice for use as a natural screen or hedge. It’s particularly well-suited to coastal gardens due to its tolerance of salt and coastal conditions. This plant is also valued for its unique lime green bottlebrush-shaped flowers, which make it a visually striking addition to any landscape. - Does Myrtle Like Full Sun or Shade?
Melaleuca diosmifolia prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. It thrives best in sunny spots, where it can produce its vibrant green flowers. However, it can still perform well with some shade, making it a versatile choice for various garden settings.