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 above) which appear from late spring through to summer.
Available in a wide range of varieties with colours from white through to mauve and purple, including green flowering forms. Cultivation is easy in a sunny position with a well mulched soil.
How To Grow Callistemon – Basic Care and Conditions
Callistemon will tolerate just about any condition except for shade. They do require good drainage but keep watered when establishing.
They are not fussy about soil type as long as it is well drained, so sandy or loamy soils are suitable.
As they have a shallow but large root system it is recommended to plant them away from drainage lines and buildings.
Growth rate varies between species C. Viminallis is very fast growing reaching 2m plus in 3 – 4 years depending on soil and climate. However C. Little John which is a dwarf C.vimiinalis cultivar is slow growing.
Fertilizer
In general Callistemon 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 nutrients in most cases.
How To Prune Callistemon or Bottlebrush Shrub
There are three ways to prune Callistemon each with a very different effect.
- Tip Pruning:
This is often recommend for newly planted young/small plants. This simply pinching out the growing tip.This will help with plant formation, however as the flowers appear near the tips of new growth you may miss out on flowers. But worth it once you have a good bushy shape. - Deadhead pruning:
This is pruning away the flowers as they finish. You prune just below the flowers leaving lots of good green foliage. This is the best way to prune once the plant is established. - Hard Pruning:
This the rejuvenation of older plants. A pruning saw or chain saw right down at the base of the plant removing all of the stems, branches and growth leaving just a very low stump at ground level. It usually works well. Best done in late winter to spring and you should water and fertilise the plant immediately after pruning.
The best time to prune all species is just after flowering. Each year simply trim back to just below the old flowers, this is where the the small nuts or seeds from, this will keep the plant looking tidy and in shape as well a promote a more bushy growth habit.
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.
- In flower they attract both bees and birds to the garden. With a dense growth habit they also provide habitat and protection for smaller birds.
- 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.
- ‘Great Balls of Fire’ is one of the best varieties for use as a hedge, it does not flower very often, however the foliage is a brilliant colour and it has a naturally dense growth habit, easy to prune.
Cultivars and species
Callistemon 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
Smaller growing Callistemon Varieties include.
- C. citrinus Anzac White, a low growing form and the best variety for white flowers,
- C. comboynensis – 1 m to 1.5 m, Red flowers, also known as the Cliff Bottle Brush.
- C. phoeniceus ‘Nana’ – dwarf, Red flowers and a form of one of the two species from Western Australia.
- C. pinifolius – 1 m to 1.5 m, Interesting green flowers, although variable.
- C. pityoides – 1.5 m, narrow. Yellow flowers on this alpine species which will grow in wetter soils that most.
- C. subulatus – 1 m, Red flowers, small growing and useful for hedges.
- C. pallidus is one of two species from Tasmania and has yellow flowers. A good hedging plant in cooler areas.
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