Melastoma Malabathricum (Blue Tongue)
Melastoma Malabathricum (Blue Tongue)
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Melastoma Malabathricum (Blue Tongue) is an attractive Australian native shrub featuring large, showy mauve-purple flowers with striking yellow centres. Its dark green, textured foliage has prominent veins, creating an appealing appearance even when the plant is not in flower. The flowers attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, while the colourful fruits provide food for birds
Ideal for native gardens, mixed shrub borders and informal screening, this hardy shrub adds long-lasting colour and attracts local wildlife. It grows well in moist, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade and responds well to occasional pruning, making it a lovely choice for a colourful, wildlife-friendly garden

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Mature height
1.5–3 m
Mature width
1–2 m
Spacing
1–1.5 m
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Foliage
Dark green foliage, mauve-purple flowers, purple-black fruit
Flowering Period & Fruit Development/Harvest
Spring to Summer, with flowers possible throughout the year
Sun tolerance
Full Sun to Part Shade
Maintenance
Low to Moderate – prune occasionally to maintain shape and encourage dense growth, keep soil moist
Root System
Fibrous, spreading root system