Description:
Approximately twenty-five species of Callistemon grow in Australia
and nearby New Caledonia.
This is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to ten to fifteen feet tall.
It is one of the cold-hardiest species of the genus. Showy spikes of red
flowers are produced during the cool months of the year. It is a great nectar
source for nectar-feeding birds and large insects.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun
Water: drought tolerant when established
Soil: average soil, wide pH tolerance, no special requirements
Not all of the bottlebrush species are reliably cold hardy
in north Florida’s
winters. The lemon bottlebrush is reliable even further north. It grows best in
a sunny, well-drained site. The genus Callistemon is very closely allied
to the genus Melaleuca, a
serious weed in south Florida.
Fortunately, Callistemon species
have not shown such aggressive tendencies in Florida.
