Bottlebrush Growing Guide

Callistemon species, Callistemon citrinus and Callistemon viminalis

Crop Rotation Group

Miscellaneous ●

Soil

Fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or other organic matter.

Position

Full sun.

Frost tolerant

Varies with species.

Feeding

Boosting soil fertility results in bigger, better flower clusters in heavy-flowering improved bottlebrush cultivars. Apply an organic liquid fertiliser twice yearly, once in spring and again in early summer.

Spacing

Single Plants: 1.50m (4' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 1.50m (4' 11") with 1.50m (4' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Bottlebrush plants can be started from seed, but it is much faster to begin with a purchased plant. Set out in early spring and keep moist until vigorous new growth appears. In early summer, non-blooming stems are easy to root in moist potting mix. Spacing requirements vary according to the type grown. Check plant tags for a cultivar’s mature width or when planting as a hedge. Many new dwarf bottlebrush plants can be grown in 35 cm (14-inch) pots for a year, after which they will require more room.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Callistemon viminalis aka Weeping Red Bottlebrush is a Cat 1b (must be removed and destroyed where possible).

Harvesting

Bottlebrush stems are somewhat short and droopy, but they make good filler material for indoor arrangements.

Planting and Harvesting Calendar

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Pests which Affect Bottlebrush

Aphids (General)

Slug

Snail