Bottlebrush Plants
Callistemon are commonly called ‘Bottlebrush Plants’. They make an excellent garden plant, with species ranging from 1/2m to 4m. Hardy and drought tolerant with flowers that attract birds.
The name “Bottlebrush” comes from the shape of the flowers (see picture right) which appear from late spring through to summer.
Available in a wide range of colours from white through to mauve and purple, including green flowering forms. Cultivation is easy in a sunny position with a well mulched soil.
Landscaping Uses
These are a plant that work well in the garden border as a background plant. They can be planted as an informal hedge or used as feature plant. You can grow them in containers, especially the smaller growing types such as C. pinifolius and C.subulatus. The cultivar ‘Little John’ is one worth looking for.
Growing Conditions and Care
Callistomon will tolerate just about any condition except for shade. They do require good drainage but keep watered when establishing. Prune each year just below the old flowers to keep in shape.
Fertilizer
In general callistemons do not require much fertilizer at all, in fact to much can inhibit flowering and just promote leaf growth. However in very poor soils use a low phosphorous fertiliser or specialist Australian native plant food, apply sparingly in spring and again in autumn. Mulch to prevent moisture loss, as the mulch breaks down it will provide sufficient nutrientsin most cases.
Cultivars and species
Callistemen viminalis is the ‘weeping bottlebrush’ and is perhaps one of the most widely grown species.
While others such as Callistemon citrinis and Callistemon salignus are also widely used. Callistemon citrinis ‘Kings Park Special’ is a cultivar that originated in Perth’s Kings Park a very vigorous Callistemon covered with lovely crimson brushes in spring and Callistemon ‘Little John’ being just some of hundreds of cultivars
You may also be interested in
- banksia
- grevillea
- waratah
- darwinia
- kunzea
- ptilotis
- native ground cover plants
- australian native plants guide
Callistemon Plants are available for sale online from the following growers and nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
Phone: 0411 435 314
Online Retailer of Landscaping Plants, large quantities of small pot sizes up to advanced sizes & plant Sourcing.
SYDNEY | NORTHERN NSW | GOLD COAST | BRISBANE | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE
www.egardens.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au
Wholesale Suppiers
1750 Westernport Rd Heath Hill VIC 3981
Australias largest grower of semi advanced native and deciduous trees. .9 - 2.6mts high. Supplying councils, developers and landscapers. Includes Acacia implexa, acacia melanoxlylon.
www.dream-time.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
146 Dignams Crk Rd via Narooma NSW 2546
Tubestock - [50mm forestry tubes and 70mm supertubes] specializing in Bush Tucker Plants , Natives indigenous to the NSW South Coast , Permaculture Plants - Fruits, Nuts & Berries .
www.southcoastflora.com.au
55 McDougal Rd Neerim South Victoria 3831 PH: (03) 56281507
Advanced ornamental trees and garden designs and concept plans. Direct to your property combined with specialist knowledge and outstanding service.
www.blericktreefarm.com.au