Melaleuca hypericifolia aka Red Honey Myrtle

Melaleuca hypericifolia is an evergreen shrub in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Tea tree is one of its common names. It comes from New South Wales in eastern Australia. Its native range includes the state's southeast. It grows on coastal headlands where the soil stays wet. Inland, it also grows on damp ledges and cliffs. These sites lie along the Great Dividing Range. Kew places it in a subtropical climate.

In gardens, it reaches about 10 feet [3 metres] tall. Its spread can also reach 10 feet [3 metres]. Kew records its form as a shrub or tree. The leaves remain on the plant throughout the year. PFAF gives June to August as its flowering season. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the flowers. Seeds take about a year to develop on the plant. The woody seed capsules remain for at least three years.

Choose full sun and fertile soil that holds some moisture. The soil should also drain well and contain no lime. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can all suit this plant. It accepts mildly acid to neutral soil. PFAF notes a preference for soil without much nitrogen. It also records growth in shade in Australian gardens. Moist ground suits it, and it can withstand salt spray. These traits give it value in sheltered coastal gardens. It can form a hedge where the climate suits it. A sunny woodland edge is another suggested setting.

Cold limits where this shrub can grow outdoors. PFAF reports tolerance down to about 23°F [−5°C]. Heavy frost can harm it, and establishment can prove difficult. Prune after flowering to keep the shape compact. Seed and half-ripe side shoots offer ways to raise plants. Sow seed in spring or autumn under warm greenhouse conditions. Seedlings can suffer from damping off. Sparse sowing, clean conditions, and good airflow help reduce losses. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant out after frost risk has passed. They may need winter protection during their first few years.

PFAF lists no known food uses or known hazards. This does not establish that eating the plant is safe. It reports medicinal uses for oil from fresh leaves and twigs. These include traditional uses for coughs, worms, and skin infections. Such records do not establish safe doses or proven benefits.