shrub

Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca decussata, commonly known as the cross-leaved honey-myrtle, is a densely branched, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub native to South Australia and Victoria. It forms a rounded to domed habit reaching two to three metres in height, with upright stems and slightly pendulous branch tips.

The species is distinguished by its small, blue-green leaves arranged in four distinct rows along the stems in a decussate pattern. Small cylindrical spikes of pink, mauve, or purple flowers appear in spring and summer, rapidly fading to white as they age.

Uses & Benefits:

Dense, blue-green foliage arranged in neat rows, complemented by soft pink to purple flower spikes.

Highly effective as a formal hedge, windbreak, or screen, with excellent tolerance for coastal winds and heavy clay.

Provides nectar for small native honeyeaters and insects, and dense protective nesting cover for small birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118 inches

Width

118 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Unknown

Lifespan

Moderate to long

Native To

South Australia, Victoria

Toxicity

Non-toxic (foliage may cause mild skin irritation)

Bloom period

Spring – Summer

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun to partial shade with clay, loam, or sandy soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is well-drained.
Position the plant at the same depth as it was in the container and backfill, firming the soil gently.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Avoid cutting back hard into bare, leafless old wood; this species lacks dormant buds on old timber and will fail to shoot adventitiously if all green foliage is removed.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Grow in full sun to achieve the heaviest flowering and densest foliage.
Ensure adequate drainage, even though the plant tolerates seasonal dampness.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood as it will not regenerate.
Do not over-fertilise; a light application of native slow-release fertiliser in spring is sufficient.
Do not plant in areas where it can escape into adjacent bushland in Victoria, where it is an environmental weed.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeScreeningWindbreakCoastal gardenClay soil planting

Companion Plants

Correa reflexa Westringia fruticosa Melaleuca nesophila

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles questions

What zones can Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles grow in?

Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles 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 Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles bloom?

Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles need full sun?

Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Cross-leaved Honey-myrtle, Cross-Leaf Honey Myrtle, Totem Poles handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.