Robin Redbreast Bush
(Melaleuca lateritia)
Robin Redbreast Bush (Melaleuca lateritia)
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Jean and Fred Hort
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Jean and Fred Hort
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Jean and Fred Hort | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: jeans_Photos | Publisher: Flickr















Estimated Native Range
Summary
Melaleuca lateritia, commonly known as Robin Redbreast Bush, is an evergreen shrub native to the southwest of Western Australia, particularly thriving in seasonally wet flats, along watercourses, and in swampy areas. It typically grows to a height of 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters) and a width of 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters). The plant is notable for its vibrant orange and red flowers that bloom in the summer, creating a striking display against its dense foliage. The bark is papery and can peel off in layers, adding to its ornamental value.
Robin Redbreast Bush is valued for its showy flowers and adaptability to various garden settings. It is often used in urban landscapes, as a feature shrub in gardens, and for habitat restoration projects. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soils. It is relatively low maintenance, responding well to pruning, which can be done to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Annual fertilizing after the flowering season can promote healthier blooms. Despite its adaptability, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may attract webbing caterpillars that can defoliate branches.CC BY-SA 4.0
Robin Redbreast Bush is valued for its showy flowers and adaptability to various garden settings. It is often used in urban landscapes, as a feature shrub in gardens, and for habitat restoration projects. While it prefers full sun, it can tolerate partial shade and requires medium amounts of water with well-drained soils. It is relatively low maintenance, responding well to pruning, which can be done to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Annual fertilizing after the flowering season can promote healthier blooms. Despite its adaptability, it can be susceptible to root rot in poorly drained soils and may attract webbing caterpillars that can defoliate branches.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 5-8 feet
- Width: 8-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to seasonally wet flats, along watercourses, and in swampy areas of southwest Western Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Robin-Redbreast-Bush
Scientific Names: , Melaleuca lateritia, Melaleuca callistemonea, Myrtoleucodendron lateritium,
GBIF Accepted Name: Melaleuca lateritia Otto & A.Dietr.