Callistemon or Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush is a small but spectacular evergreen tree or shrub. Of the family Myrtaceae it is well known as Callistemon or Bottlebrush Tree. It is easy to grow and loves warmth, moisture and sun. Bottlebrush is native to Australia mostly growing in moist soil in open or woodland sites.
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Callistemon or Bottlebrush
Botanical Name: Callistemon
Family: Myrtaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen Tree or Shrub
Origin: Australia
Zones: 9 – 11, Sub-tropical — withstands light frost or short cold spells down to 32° if kept fairly dry in winter.
Height: 6-15′
Rate of Growth: Medium
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Soil Requirements: Moderately fertile, moist, but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil
Water Requirements: Water freely spring to autumn, keep fairly dry in winter
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, Top-dress in spring
Light Requirements: Full sun
Form: Shrub or tree
Leaves: Sharp pointed mid-green
Flowers: Grown for their colorful, terminal or axillary, bottlebrush-like spikes of numerous, long-stamened flowers in red, purple, pink, white, green or yellow.
Fruits: Small woody seed case
Pests: Spider mites, thornbugs, scale insects, fungal stem galls and cankers, witches broom and leaf spots.
Uses: Shrub border, water accent
Bad Habits: Pollen is an Allergen
Cost: $$ to $$$ — reasonable to expensive
Propagation: Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, surface sown seeds onto moist soil mix at 61-64°F in spring.
Sources: American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants,The Subtropical Garden
