Genus Callistemon (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens' Photo/Illustration: David Cavagnaro
kal-iss-TEM-on Common Name: Bottlebrush
This genus is composed of trees and shrubs native to Australia. They are characterized by their bright, bristly, bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers in shades of mostly red, but also white, yellow, orange, and pink.
Care: Most bottlebrushes are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 11. Provide full sun and fertile, moist, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly and prune out any wayward stems. Hard pruning is tolerated.
Propagation:

 Sow seed in spring or root cuttings in summer.


Problems:

 Spidermites and scale may occur. Galls, cankers, and leaf spots may also become problems.



Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Callistemon

Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens' Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens'
('Splendens' bottlebrush)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This low-care, evergreen shrub to 10-15 feet tall and wide produces large, bright red bottlebrush flowers from spring through summer followed by woody seedpods. It is attractive to hummingbirds. Young shoots are pinkish red.