Swamp Paperbark Plant Care

Swamp Paperbark (Melaleuca rhaphiophylla) belongs to the Myrtaceae family within the Melaleuca genus. Swamp Paperbark is native to salt marshes, or swamps or along watercourses and occurs over wide areas of the south-west. Swamp Paperbark is also known as Tall Paperbark, Swamp Honey Myrtle.

Swamp Paperbark displays a tall, upright tree growth habit, reaching up to 20 ft tall with a spread of approximately 10 ft. Swamp Paperbark produces fluffy, bottlebrush-like spikes in white, cream, pink, or red.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Swamp Paperbark every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Swamp Paperbark thrives in full sun.

Melaleuca rhaphiophylla tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Swamp Paperbark prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter like compost. Good drainage is essential for Swamp Paperbark to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Swamp Paperbark every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with added organic matter like compost. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Swamp Paperbark is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Swamp Paperbark can spread to about 10 ft (3 m) and reach about 20 ft (6 m) tall. Space plants about 10 ft (3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Swamp Paperbark while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Swamp Paperbark is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Swamp Paperbark can be propagated through seeds, cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to showy honey myrtle plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Swamp Paperbark is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, leaf-eating caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Swamp Paperbark grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Swamp Paperbark is native to salt marshes, or swamps or along watercourses and occurs over wide areas of the south-west. In cooler regions, grow Swamp Paperbark as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.