Melaleuca pentagona, commonly known as Oval Leaf Honey Myrtle, is an evergreen shrub native to the sandy plains, coastal heath, and open woodlands of Southwestern Australia. It typically grows to about 5 meters (16 feet) tall and is recognized by its papery grey or white bark. This shrub is particularly showy when it produces a profusion of pink and purple flowers during the spring and summer months, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The flowers are arranged in spikes at the ends of the branches, creating a striking display against the foliage.

Oval Leaf Honey Myrtle is valued for its ornamental flowers, low water requirements, and adaptability to various soil types, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. It is often used in urban planting, border planting, and as a feature shrub in residential gardens. While it thrives in full sun or part shade, it prefers soils with medium to fast drainage and is drought-tolerant once established. The cultivar Melaleuca pentagona var. pentagona is particularly well-regarded for its hardiness and suitability to a range of conditions. Gardeners should be aware that, like many Melaleucas, it can be susceptible to webbing caterpillars which create unsightly webs and can defoliate plants if left unchecked.CC BY-SA 4.0