Callistemon, also known as Bottlebrush, is a vibrant addition to any garden. With its uniquely shaped, brush-like flowers that burst in shades of red, pink, or yellow, it not only attracts the eye but also pollinators like bees and butterflies. This hardy, low-maintenance shrub adds a touch of beauty to your outdoor space, making it a delightful choice for gardeners who want to infuse their landscape with colour and life.
Planting Calendar
Bottlebrush can be planted throughout the year as long as they are watered well during summer.
Harvest In
Flowering
Callistemon flowers mainly in spring and summer.
Prepare
There is a vast range of Callistemon (bottlebrush) from tall trees that grow to 4m, weeping forms and dwarf varieties ideal for growing in pots or small gardens. A great plant to bring birds into the garden. Tolerant of coastal conditions.
Position
Plant in full sun for better flowering. Callistemon like a soil rich in organic matter.
Soil
When planted into the ground bottlebrush prefer a free-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains Saturaid, which helps with moisture retention in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plant’s root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Kings Sheep Pellets and Kings 24 plus fertiliser, then mix together. Backfill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Container Mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist.
Care
Watering
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil.
Feeding
When planted in the ground liquid feed every month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster, from Spring through to the end of Autumn, this encourages root growth and increases the microbial activity in the soil. Monthly applications of Kings Sheep Pellets will help with soil conditioning and plant health. If planted into a container, feed with Kings Liquid Fast Food along with monthly applications of Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster this encourages strong roots and a healthy immune system.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (making sure it is not in direct contact with the trunk) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to lock moisture in the ground.
Spraying
Callistemon are generally best free, so spraying should not be needed.
Pruning
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.
Top Varieties
Little John
A compact variety for small gardens and containers. Grows 1-1.5.
Callistemon viminalis "slim"
Callistemon Slim provides landscape professionals and homeowners with a bottlebrush solution for tight planting areas due to its narrow growth habit . A large number of flower buds develop in spring and will open to classic bottlebrush throughout spring, summer and later again in autumn. Great as a screen or hedge. Full sun to part shade. Suits most soil types. Tolerates drought and frost. Grows to 3m high x 1.3m wide
Callistemon Red Cluster.
Vigorous large shrub, new leaves emerge a silvery-pink turning to mid- green. Masses of red bottlebrush flowers with gold anthers appear in spring and autumn. Grows 3x2m.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Callistemon plants?
Callistemon, commonly known as bottlebrush, are evergreen shrubs or small trees known for their vibrant, bottlebrush-like flower spikes.
How often should I water my Callistemon?
Watering is essential especially in the first year of planting to allow the roots to get well established. Water slowly, allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than just allowing it to run off the top of the surface of the soil.
When is the best time to prune Callistemon?
Prune after flowering to maintain shape and size.
Do Callistemon plants attract wildlife?
The vibrant flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds, making them great for supporting local wildlife.
What are common pests and diseases affecting Callistemon?
They are relatively pest-resistant but can be affected by scale insects and sooty mould. Regular monitoring and appropriate treatments can manage these issues.