Bottlebrush Shrub
Callistemon rigidus is the scientific name for bottlebrush shrub. This native of Australia is a member of the Myrtaceae family and has been grown in Europe since the late 1700’s.There are about 30-50 species of Callistemon. Only a few grow in the U.S, In its’ natural setting, bottlebrush grows along damp edges of swamps or forests.
Newly planted shrubs require more water but as the plant becomes more established it will require less water and tolerate harsher conditions. Plant bottlebrush in full sun with well drained, slightly acidic soil. It prefers a pH of 5.5-6.5. This plant is salt and drought tolerant with a moderate rate of growth.
Bottlebrush plant flowers in Spring or Summer with some flowering in Fall. Conditions may cause flowering at other times. The obvious parts of the flower masses are stamens, with the pollen at the tip of the filament; the petals are inconspicuous. Flowers vary in color depending on species; most are red but some are green, orange, yellow or white. Flowers masses look like a large bottlebrush. Each flower head produces a profusion of triple-celled seed capsules around a stem which remain on the plant with the seeds enclosed until stimulated to open when the plant dies or fire causes the release of seeds. A few species release sees annually. Propagate by cuttings or seeds. Cuttings are more reliable while wounding the lower stem seems to improve the rate of success.
Some important plants in the daisy family include the food crops lettuce, chicory, globe artichoke, sunflower, safflower and Jerusalem artichoke. Others include flowers used as herbs and in herbal teas and other beverages. Chamomile and calendula are grown for herbal teas and potpourri. Echinacea is used as a medicinal tea.
Bottlebrush can be grown in pots, used for screen or specimen plant. The flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.
Callistemon citrinus is lemon bottlebrush shrub and grows up to 25 feet. It is hardy to 24 degrees. Crushed leaves smell like lemon, Striking red flowers. Weep like habbet as it gets older.
Callistemon viminalis is the weeping bottle brush and grows to 20 feet and 15 foot spread. Has red flowers.
The cultivar ‘Little John’ grows to about 3 feet tall and has the deepest red blooms of all the bottlebrush plants, The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This plant works in small spaces, foundation planting under low windows and as an accent plant, lining a walkway. This smaller plant can handle full sun and cold weather.
Other cultivars are ‘Hannah Ray’, Orange red flowers, ‘Red Cluster’, 9 feet with weeping form and ‘Splendens’ with scarlet red flowers.
submitted by Karen Blackburn