Commonly known as bottlebrush, this Australian genus of about 30 species of highly ornamental evergreen shrubs and small trees includes a large range of hybrids and cultivars.They have leathery linear or lanceshaped leaves arranged spirally around the stem, and new growth is often richly colored, usually pink or bornze. Callistemons are farmed for their showy flowers, which when massed together in terminal spikes form cylindrical bottlebrush-like shapes. The flowers usually open in spring and summer, and sometimes again in autumn, and are followed by long-lasting, round, woody seed capsules crowded into a cylindrical group along the stem. The main flower colors are generally in shades of pink, red, cream, or green, although many cultivars have extended this range even further. The flowers are highly attractive to small nectar-feeding birds. Callistemons offer a color-ful display over long periods and will fit into most landscape situations. Many of the larger species are suitable for use as street plantings in mild climates.
CULTIVATION
Most bottle brushes prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil in a sunny position and are only marginally frost tolerant. All species respond well to pruning in the final days of flowering, which prevents the seed capsules from forming and stimulates bushier growth and a greater number of flowers next season. The lower branches of the larger species can be removed, leaving the top to branch out. Most species are propagated from the fine seed, though selected forms and cultivars are grown from half-hardened tip cuttings.
Top Tip
The colorful, sunloving, and adaptable bottlebrush looks particularly attractive in a shrub border or along the wall of a house. Monthly fertilizing is advised.
CULTIVATION
Most bottle brushes prefer moist, well-drained, slightly acid soil in a sunny position and are only marginally frost tolerant. All species respond well to pruning in the final days of flowering, which prevents the seed capsules from forming and stimulates bushier growth and a greater number of flowers next season. The lower branches of the larger species can be removed, leaving the top to branch out. Most species are propagated from the fine seed, though selected forms and cultivars are grown from half-hardened tip cuttings.
Top Tip
The colorful, sunloving, and adaptable bottlebrush looks particularly attractive in a shrub border or along the wall of a house. Monthly fertilizing is advised.
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