Callistemon citrinus splendens

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by Susie

Nope, it isn't flowering yet. It looks rather sorry for itself and rather droopy so I think you may well be right and it is lack of water.

I have been watering it most evenings but it is in an extremely hot and sunny spot on the patio so it might not have been getting enough.

Callistemon are fairly well adapted to dry conditions and watering every day should not be necessary. Try to ensure a thorough soaking -if it is now garden planted run the hose near the roots for several minutes and then allow a few days before watering again. For possible problems with watering see the Ceonothus thread.

My experience - one plant only, and a long time ago - is that Callistemon are lime tolerant, however if your garden soil is limey you may find that your plant does not thrive. Having planted it out I would give it a year but if it doesn't show signs of good growth by next summer you may need to consider returning it to a container and using ericaceous compost. Also if it is in an exposed position you may need to give it winter protection.

CM

[Susie]

Thank you for your reply, CM.

The plant appears to be much happier already now it is in the ground. I think the problem is that the plant was completely root bound in its original pot and although I transplanted it into a bigger pot it just wasn't getting the water it needed.

Many thanks again to the people who have offered advice.

[Susie]

How are other peoples' bottle brush bushes coming along? Did they prove to be beneficial to insects?


Mine is doing well now, but the flower buds never recovered and I had to prune them off so I shall have to wait until next year (unless it surprises me with a late show of flower this year).

[Susie]

Originally Posted by UB4 gardener

I have an 8 footer outside my front door, this will be the first summer i have been here so as yet i don't know will find out soon enough.

Chris

So, Christopher, what happened?

My bottlebrush never did flower but it looks really healthy so I am expecting a good display this year.

[davek13]

I have just purchased 2 plants and have planted them in containers in ericaceous compost but I have been told by various garden centres and nurseries that either the plant will not do well due to the over acidity of the soil, may even die or it will easily tolerate ericaceous compost. Which is correct???

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by davek13

I have just purchased 2 plants and have planted them in containers in ericaceous compost but I have been told by various garden centres and nurseries that either the plant will not do well due to the over acidity of the soil, may even die or it will easily tolerate ericaceous compost. Which is correct???

There seems to be a common overstatement of the senisitivity of Callistemons to soil type and as general approach (allowing that some species may have very specific demands) I'd go with this quote from an Australian (native) source:

Generally, most Callistemon species tolerate a wide variety of soil types, from the most poorly drained soils through to sandy soil. They often tolerate a wide variety of conditions too, including coastal locations, but this does vary between species and cultivars. Callistemon genus - Sustainable Gardening Australia

Really the only thing you need to be concerned about is keeping your plants well watered through the summer months.

CM

[Susie]

Mine is finally flowering and it looks very pretty.

I haven't seen any insects taking an interest in it though.

[naturegirl]

The thing to remember with callistemons is to prune them correctly. As soon as it has flowered, cut back the shoots so that you do not get the seed pods forming as next year it will flower beyond these and you will soon end up with a straggly plant. Hard pruning at the correct time will have a lovely plant full of flowers for next season. Check your plant books!
Naturegirl

[Susie]

Thanks, Naturegirl, will do.

[nicodemus]

Hi there everyone - just joined

I have a beauty that has just come into flower - it must be 9 foot tall and about the same wide with bright crimson flowers. It sits in a south facing position and forms an effective barrier between my neighbours and me - haven't seen any kangaroos as yet but I have found a number of stick insects which freaked me a little - am living in Cornwall and have been told that these insects are quite common