Commonly known as the ‘Swamp Paperbark’, Melaleuca ericifolia is large shrub to small tree. Generally reaching 4 – 6m however sometimes much taller, this is a hardy tree used as a screening plant and excellent to re vegetation.
Height and growth habit will be determined by conditions, smaller growing and less dense in dry areas, while taller and denser in in damp areas. Found widely from New South Wales through Victoria to Tasmania.
This is a clump forming plant that will send up shoots from the roots, especially in rich moist soils. In drier soils it tend to be less likely to shoot.
Masses of creamy white flowers from spring to early summer followed by woody seed pods. In good conditions Melaleuca ericifolia will form a dense thicket with a few low growing under story plants present.
Landscaping Uses
- Excellent for wetland edges, drainage lines, and damp low spots.
- Suitable for coastal gardens where salt tolerance is useful.
- Can be planted as a dense screen or informal hedge.
- Useful for wildlife gardens and pollinator-friendly plantings.
- Works well in habitat restoration and revegetation projects.
- Making an excellent small windbreak tree Melaleuca ericifolia is often planted around the car parks in commercial developments.
- Also used in revegetation projects, to attract native birds to the garden and as a habitat for native animals.
- The essential oil extracted is sold as ‘Rosalina Oil’, it has an aroma reminiscent of lavender and eucalyptus.
Care
Melaleuca ericifolia is a very hardy small tree that grows well in a range of soils and is also frost tolerant.
- Grows well in both semi dry and damp soil.
- Full sun to part shade.
- Frost tolerant.
- Thrives in harsh coastal conditions.
- Useful as a screen, roadside plantings and as a habitat plant.
Summary Information
- Botanical / Scientific Name: Melaleuca ericifolia
- Common Names: Swamp paperbark
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Height: Typically 2–9 m
- Spread: Usually 2–4 m, forming a dense shrub or small tree
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Position: Full sun to part shade; performs best with consistent moisture
- Soil: Prefers wet or moist soils, including sandy or loamy soils; tolerates some salinity
- Flowers: Dense spikes of white flowers
- Foliage: Small, linear, dark green leaves; aromatic when crushed; papery bark
- Flowering Period: Mainly spring, often September to November, with some sources extending into late spring to early summer
- Frost Tolerance: Light frost tolerance, but not for severe frost
- Drought Tolerance: Low to moderate; best with regular moisture
- Coastal Conditions: Very good; tolerates coastal exposure and some salinity