The species Callistemon linearis, Callistemon rigidus and Callistemon subulatus are all closely allied to this species and are somewhat hardier[].

Common Name: Crimson Bottlebrush

General Information

Callistemon citrinus is an erect, straggly, evergreen shrub, occasionally becoming a small tree, usually growing about 1 - 3 metres tall, occasionally reaching 4.5 metres[, ].
The plant has a number of uses for which it is harvested from the wild. The plant is also widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical to warm temperate areas[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, 200,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria

Habitat

Swamps and along the sides of rocky streams[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Birds
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Callistemon citrinus is found mainly in the warm temperate to subtropical areas of eastern Australia, just reaching into the tropics. Plants are said to tolerate occasional temperatures falling as low as -7°c in Australian gardens[], with a report that it has tolerated occasional short-lived lows down to about -10°c in Britain[]. Small-leaved forms of the plant are hardier than the type and can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c[]. The cultivar 'Splendens' is said to be particularly good in temperate areas and is possibly more hardy than the type[].
Succeeds in any soil, tolerating both water-logging and drought[]. Requires a fertile well-drained moisture retentive soil in full sun[]. Succeeds in a hot position in dry soils. Accepts very wet conditions in Australian gardens[]. Prefers an acid soil, not doing very well on chalk[]. Succeeds in exposed positions by the sea[].
Plants are very tolerant of pruning, even old plants will regenerate if pruned back hard into the old wood[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].
The leaves vary considerably in shape and are lemon scented[, ]. The leaves, when pressed, emit a refreshing scent of lemon[].
Plants can flower twice a year if they receive sufficient water[].
The woody seed capsules remain closed on the branches for years, usually opening after a forest fire when there is ample open ground for them to germinate in[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are a tea substitute and have a delightfully refreshing flavour[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

If trimmed hard, the plant can be used to make a large hedge[].

Other Uses

A tan dye is obtained from the flowers, it does not require a mordant, and is green when mordanted[]. Other members of this genus can also be used[].
A cinnamon dye is obtained from the leaves[]. Other members of this genus can also be used[].

Wood - hard, heavy, tough, close grained, but too small for economic use. Used for tool handles etc[]. It is also used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in late winter in a shaded part of the greenhouse[]. Cover with paper and stand the pots in a few centimetres of water until germination takes place[]. 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[]. 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, mid summer in a frame. Poor results[].