Also known as Bottlebrush · 70 saves
Callistemon
Callistemon, the genus most gardeners know as bottlebrush. We track 20 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 19 most-saved Callistemon varieties
Browse all 20 Callistemon varieties →
6 species of Callistemon
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Callistemon in Sow
Save the Callistemon you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Callistemon
Whats common across all Callistemon varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 20 most-grown of them.
The Callistemon year
- PruneJune and July100% of varieties
Prune lightly after main flowering flush to shape and encourage blooms.
- FertilizeMarch and April95% of varieties
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer in spring.
- Check for PestsMay–July80% of varieties
Inspect stems for signs of scale insects.
- PropagateJuly and August50% of varieties
Take semi-hardwood tip cuttings from current season's growth.
- MulchApril, October and November30% of varieties
Apply organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Do
- Water deeply but infrequently once established.
- Provide full sun for best flowering.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape
- Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer suitable for Australian natives.
- Prune after flowering to maintain shape.
Avoid
- Do not plant in heavy, wet clay soil.
- Do not allow young plants to dry out completely before their root systems are fully established.
- Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soil.
- Avoid high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can be toxic to them.
What goes wrong with Callistemon
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Scale Insects | Small, hard bumps on stems and leaves, often accompanied by sooty mold. | Scrub off light infestations. Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season. Use a systemic insecticide for heavy infestations. |
| Borers | Holes in stems or trunks with visible sawdust-like frass, leading to branch dieback. | Prune out heavily infested branches below the damage point and seal major entry holes if necessary. |
| Scale insects | Brown or black bumps on stems and leaves | Apply horticultural oil to infested areas |
| Scale | Hard bumps on stems, sticky honeydew, and sooty mold. | Apply horticultural oil in the dormant season. For heavy infestations, use a systemic insecticide. |
| Root Rot | Yellowing leaves, wilting, and plant decline due to overly wet soil. | Ensure excellent drainage at planting time. Reduce watering. There is no cure; prevention is key. |
| Myrtle rust | Bright yellow pustules on young leaves, stems, and flower buds, causing distorted growth and leaf drop. | Prune out infected parts and dispose of them securely; apply registered fungicides if the infection is severe. |
| Verticillium Wilt | Sudden wilting of one or more branches, often with yellowing leaves. | Prune out and destroy affected branches. There is no chemical cure. Keep the plant healthy to resist the disease. |
Making more Callistemon
Semi-hardwood cuttings
- Take 7-10 cm cuttings from semi-hardened tip growth of the current season.
- Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the base in rooting hormone.
- Insert into a free-draining propagation mix of perlite and peat.
- Keep warm and humid under mist or a plastic cover until roots establish.
Seed
- Collect mature, woody seed capsules from older branches.
- Place the capsules in a warm, dry paper bag until they open and release the fine seed.
- Sow the seed onto the surface of a moist, sandy seed-raising mix.
- Keep moist in a warm, sheltered position until germination occurs.
Callistemon questions
How many types of Callistemon are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 20 distinct Callistemon varieties. The most popular — ranked by 70 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Callistemon grow in?
Across its varieties, Callistemon covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Callistemon bloom?
Most Callistemon varieties bloom in late spring, spring, summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Callistemon should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.