as a general guide to growing Bottle Brushes

Horticultural tips for Callistemon

Callistemon come from Australia and although this can conjure up vivid pictures of arid landscapes, they prefer having their feet near a source of water. However, root systems are very deep as the plant has adapted to finding water in extreme conditions and apart from watering in for the first 12 months, they are fairly drought tolerant plants once established. The genus is without exception evergreen and is rarely troubled by pests or diseases, providing the plants are kept healthy. Callistemon will grow in all but chalky soils, although grit should be added to heavy clay soils to improve drainage. Full sun is not necessary but preferred. Mature plants can get straggly so pruning from a young age, after flowering, is recommended for a good shape and plenty of flowers in the following year. If planted in the ground feeding is usually unnecessary, however if in pots then a dose of low phosphate or phosphate free feed is recommended at the beginning of the growing season.

The name Callistemon is Greek, not Latin, and broken down into two parts means Calli - beautiful and Stemon - stamon, which are the filaments arranged in a cylinder around the stem. This arrangement is also responsible for it's rather more well know name of 'Bottlebrush'.

Callistemon citrinus & cultivars

From New South Wales this plant is south wall hardy in all but the most exposed gardens. Juvenile growth is very soft & can get nipped by late frosts, but plants usually recover. Citrinus cultivars come in a wide range of colours, from the standard red through various shades of pink to white. Most will prove perfectly hardy given shelter from easterly winds.

Of the citrinus cultivars the most common is citrinus 'Splendens', with large, bright scarlet brushes throughout the hot months of early summer. However, my own favourite of this group has to be 'Mauve Mist'. A very large and strong growing, hardy shrub with gorgeous young foliage and masses of deep purplish-pink brushes.

Callistemon pallidus & cultivars

A very hardy species from Tasmania. It's bright yellow flowers and dense upright habit of growth makes this a very worthwhile shrub. There are only a few known hybrids/cultivars of this species most of which are either white or yellow. Pallidus can be planted in most situations, otherwise treat as above.

Pallidus is easily the best of the yellows, but it's not so well known hybrid 'Father Christmas' - a rare red & white brush, is also very well worth a go.

Callistemon subulatus & cultivars

The hardiest of the reds, more often than not sold incorrectly named as rigidus. Having an open habit with long slender, arching branches, pruning is vital for shape. This is the only bottlebrush that will flower as well in the shade as it will in the sun and is quite valuable for that reason alone. It is also very versatile in shape as it can be trained on a wall, or simply as a free standing shrub. Great for mixed borders it can compliment most shrubs or herbaceous planting.

Callistemon viminalis & cultivars

From Queensland this species is only tolerant of very light frosts, but with a beautiful weeping habit, is a worthwhile candidate for tubs in conservatories or on sheltered patios. Many of it's cultivars have inherited the weeping habit and have an abundance of flower which always proves irresistible to insects and birds alike. Most are red flowered with only one or two exceptions and many repeat flower throughout the year.

General Notes for growing shrubs and climbers indoors.

Providing a few rules are stuck to, your plants should be happy!

• Central Heating. This can prove a problem for some plants as it tends to dry out the atmosphere. One way to combat this is to grow your plants in pots standing in trays of gravel, which can be kept damp to allow water to evaporate around the plant. Misting, and grouping plants together also helps.



• Watering. Generally speaking plants will always prefer rain water as this is less likely to have additives such as Phloride & Chlorine, as well as chalk and all sorts of other nasties in it. Making sure that the pots your plants are growing in have drainage holes in the bottom, and that the plants are growing in a medium that will allow water to drain freely will also help. A mixture of loam based & peat based composts (or peat alternatives) with a little added grit is recommended to prevent plants from becoming bogged down, especially in the winter when growing has slowed to a minimum and excess water can become a problem.



• Sun Light. Direct sunlight is not always essential and sometimes is best to avoid depending on the plant. If ample natural daylight, in a room with many or large windows for example, is provided then plants will grow reasonably well. It is always a good idea to check for the individual plants requirements in this area, as placing it in the correct part of the room will mean a better performance from the plant.



• Feeding. This should be no different than feeding a plant outside in a pot. Many types of feed are available and it is best to follow the instructions on the packaging.



• Dusting. Plants sitting in one place for a long time can become as dusty as any other ornament. Regular dusting and the use of a little leaf shine will help the leaves to photosynthesize as it will be better able to make use of available sunlight.



• Plant groups. Whether it be in a heated conservatory, cold greenhouse or the living room, certain plants will work well together, sometimes looking and performing better in a group than if they were individually placed around a room.