tree

Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca leucadendra, the weeping paperbark, is a large evergreen tree native to northern Australia, characterised by a thick, spongy, cream-coloured papery bark that peels in layers. The canopy features pendulous branchlets with weeping, bright light-green leaves and dense cylindrical spikes of white flowers that appear throughout the year.

This species is distinguished from the similar Melaleuca quinquenervia by its longer, weeping leaves measuring up to 270 millimetres and its graceful, pendulous habit. The foliage emerges with fine, white silky hairs before maturing to a smooth, glabrous finish.

Uses & Benefits:

Distinctive peeling, spongy white bark and a graceful weeping canopy with soft, light-green foliage.

Highly effective for soil stabilisation along riverbanks and performing well in poorly drained, waterlogged areas.

Provides high-value nectar for honeyeaters, lorikeets, and native insects, and offers nesting sites for birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

590 inches

Width

472 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Northern Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Winter – Spring

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun or very light partial shade with moist, acidic to neutral soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery container.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.
Apply an organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Avoid pruning back into old, leafless wood, as this species fails to shoot from old timber and pruning destroys the characteristic papery trunk aesthetic. Ensure the root run remains moist during dry spells to maintain canopy density.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods to support canopy health.
Prune young trees formatively to establish a strong, single-trunked framework.
Mulch the root zone to retain soil moisture.

Don't

Do not prune heavily into old, bare wood as it will fail to regenerate.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilisers if planted near sensitive native species.
Do not plant in areas prone to severe, prolonged winter frosts.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen treeShade treeWindbreakErosion control along watercoursesWetland restoration

Companion Plants

Lomandra longifolia Carex appressa Melaleuca quinquenervia Leptospermum petersonii

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree questions

What zones can Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree grow in?

Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree bloom?

Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree typically blooms in winter through spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree need full sun?

Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Weeping Paperbark, Broad-leaved Tea-tree, White Paperbark, Long-leaved Paperbark, Cajeput Tree handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.