Callistemon citrinus - Crimson Bottlebrush

Family:	Myrtaceae
Habit:	Shrub
Height:	4.5
Width:	2.5
Synonyms:	C. lanceolatus.
Range:	Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria.

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is a Shrub which grows to a height of 4.5m and a width of 2.5m . It has a moderate growth rate. It has a hardness rating of 9.
Crimson Bottlebrush will flower in January to February. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Crimson Bottlebrush will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
Crimson Bottlebrush prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Crimson Bottlebrush should not be planted in shady areas.

Damp situations.

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any soil, tolerating both water-logging and drought[260]. Requires a fertile well-drained moisture retentive soil in full sun[200]. Succeeds in a hot position in dry soils. Accepts very wet conditions in Australian gardens[157]. Prefers an acid soil, not doing very well on chalk[182]. This species requires cold greenhouse treatment in most of Britain but it is possibly hardy in the milder areas of the country although even there it is best grown against a wall[1, 11]. Plants are hardy to at least -7°c in Australian gardens[157]. Another report says that it tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c in Britain[184] and grows well in warm positions in southern gardens. Small-leaves forms of the plant are hardier than the type and can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c[260]. The cultivar 'Splendens' is said to be particularly good in Britain and is possibly more hardy than the type[202]. The species C. linearis, C. rigidus and C. subulatus are all closely allied to this species and are somewhat hardier[11]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. The leaves vary considerably in shape and are lemon scented[182, 184]. The leaves, when pressed, emit a refreshing scent of lemon[245]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 2/5
The leaves are a tea substitute and have a delightfully refreshing flavour[144].

• Tea - the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in February in a shaded part of the greenhouse[78]. Cover with paper and stand the pots in a few centimetres of water until germination takes place[200]. Remove from the water tray as soon as the seed germinates. Seedlings are prone to damp off and must be watered with care and kept well ventilated[200]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, planting them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood,7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Poor results[78].

Scented parts of the plants

Leaves : Crushed

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A tan dye is obtained from the flowers, it does not require a mordant, and is green when mordanted[168]. Other members of this genus can also be used[168]. A cinnamon dye is obtained from the leaves[168]. Other members of this genus can also be used[168]. Wood - hard, heavy, tough, close grained, but too small for economic use. Used for tool handles etc[154]. It is also used for fuel[272].

• Dye - Plants that provide dyes.
• Wood - A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Cultivars

'Splendens' - This cultivar is said to be particularly good in Britain and is possibly more hardy than the type[202]. It can tolerate temperatures down to about -5°c[260]. It grows well in desert and coastal areas and can flower all year round[260].

References

Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
Bean. W.
Author: Bean. W.
Rating:
Publisher : A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
Date of Publication : 1981

Flora of Victoria.
Ewart. A. J.
Author: Ewart. A. J.
Rating:
Publisher : A flora of eastern Australia, it is rather short on information that is useful to the plant project.
Date of Publication :

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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