Melaleuca pulchella – Claw Flower

A medium shrub with small, rounded leaves crowded along the stems and attractive clusters of pink to mauve claw flowers. This lovely shrub grows from 0.5 to 1.5m high and 1.5m wide and tolerates drought, moderate frost and near coastal conditions. It flowers best in full sun in spring and summer, with some flowers appearing in autumn and winter, attracting birds and insects. It adds interest to shrubberies and cottage gardens and can be grown in larger containers. Tip prune after flowering to maintain shape and encourage flowering. It grows in sand, loam, sandy gravel, gravelly loam and sandy clay. Origin – south coast and southern Mallee.