Care of the shrub Callistemon citrinus or Crimson bottlebrush |
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The genus Callistemon, family Myrtaceae, includes 40 species of trees and shrubs native to Australia. Some species are: Callistemon citrinus, Callistemon pallidus, Callistemon quadrifidus, Callistemon glaucus, Callistemon viminalis, Callistemon rugulosus, Callistemon linearis, Callistemon subulatus. Common names: Red bottlebrush, Lemon bottlebrush, Crimson bottlebrush. This species is native to New South Wales and Victoria in Australia. They are evergreen shrubs with erect bearing and arched branches that reach 8 meters (26.24 feet) in height. They have narrow, pointed leaves, leathery in texture, greyish green in color and giving off a lemon scent. The showy red flowers appear in clusters 15 cm (5.9") long. They bloom in spring and summer. The fruits are small capsules of 5 mm (0.19") in diameter. They are used to form groups in the garden or as isolated specimens and in pots for terraces or as an indoor plant. They are appropriate plants for coastal gardens. Callistemon citrinus needs a full sun exposure outdoors or very bright indoors (better with direct sun). They do not like cold or frost. They can grow in any type of well-drained soil but prefer that it contains organic matter. A mixture of 1/3 coarse sand, 1/3 peat and 1/3 leaf mulch is recommended. Transplantation and planting are done in spring. They are very resistant to drought plants that welcome regular waterings in summer (wait for the soil to dry out). Water little in winter as the plant is at rest. Fertilize with humus or compost in the fall. Prune faded flowers after flowering; Prune more intensively in early spring to maintain a compact appearance. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate by seeds sown in spring (germinate in 3 weeks) or by semi-woody cuttings in summer. |
Images of the shrub Callistemon citrinus or Crimson bottlebrush |
 Callistemon citrinus  Callistemon citrinus  Callistemon citrinus |