Cotton Candy Honey Myrtle

Cotton Candy Honey Myrtle (Melaleuca thymifolia 'Cotton Candy') is a hardy, compact native shrub about 1m tall and 1m to 1.5m wide, with fine bright green foliage and clusters of fluffy hot pink flowers from summer through autumn. It is smaller than the species form, and suits low hedging, rockeries, borders and coastal gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Hot pink fluff. Clusters of fluffy flowers cover the shrub from summer through autumn.
• Small and tidy. It stays compact, with brighter green foliage than the species form.
• Tough in frost and dry spells. Once established it tolerates heavy frost and moderate drought.
• Fine in most soils. It tolerates most soil types and planting conditions, even occasional wet feet.
• Good for wildlife. The flowers attract native wildlife, including bees and birds.

Where it works best

Low hedges. Plant 80cm apart for a low flowering hedge that closes into a continuous line, and clip after flowering.

Rockeries and borders. At around a metre, it suits rockeries and the front of a border, where the hot pink flowers can be seen at close range.

Coastal and native gardens. It is a hardy choice for coastal plantings and native gardens, and it can be shaped as desired.

Growing Cotton Candy Honey Myrtle in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun encourages flowering. It tolerates heavy frost and moderate drought once established, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens. It flowers better in higher-rainfall zones, or where it is watered while in bloom.

Soil. Most soil types and planting conditions, even occasional wet feet. Good drainage is still wise, but it does not mind a damp patch.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well, especially while it establishes. In drier areas, water in the flowering period for a bigger display.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to encourage a compact habit. Light, regular trims keep it neat.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cotton Candy Honey Myrtle as tube stock (a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly) and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tube stock is the low cost way to plant a hedge, while the 140mm pots give a more developed plant from day one. Plant out soon after arrival, mulch and water in well.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our melaleucas
• Plants that suit rockeries
• More Australian native shrubs
• Low hedge plants under 1 metre for front gardens

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 80cm apart. The mature width is up to 1.5m, so plants soon meet and form a continuous low hedge.

Does it need much water?

Moderate drought is fine once established, but it flowers better in higher-rainfall zones or where it is watered in the flowering period.

Will it cope with frost?

Yes. It tolerates heavy frost once established, which makes it a reliable hedge for cool gardens as well as warm ones.