The bottlebrushes or callistemons are one of the most widely cultivated groups of native plants. Over the years many cultivars have appeared in nurseries so that there is a bewildering array of bottlebrushes available for the garden.
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We tend to think of bottlebrushes having red flower spikes but there is a surprising number that come in a range of other colours. This time we will concentrate on some of these “non-red” bottlebrushes.
Before moving onto their descriptions we should spend some time discussing the cultivation of bottlebrushes. These cultivation notes apply to all the bottlebrushes regardless of their flower colour.
In the wild, callistemons are usually found growing in moist situations beside creeks and wetlands. In cultivation, they have proved to be very hardy and cope with dry, well-drained situations. Many bottlebrushes on our dry hilltop are over 10 years old.
When establishing bottlebrushes spend some time, in the first two growing seasons, watering, mulching and keeping them weed-free. After that, they will reward you with years of bright blooms every flowering season.
To improve foliage density and flowering, cut off the spent brushes. Each new shoot will carry a colourful brush next season.
Now is the time to describe some varieties with flowers of different colours to the normal red.
Callistemon flavovirens is sometimes known as the green bottlebrush. This rare species is found in the Boonoo Boonoo area, near Tenterfield.
This is a dense shrub that will reach a height of two metres when cultivated. The dark green, leathery leaves are widely spaced on the stems. The large brushes are greenish yellow.
The individual flowers, in company with the leaves, are also widely spaced. The flowering season extends from late spring to late summer. Both the flower colour and structure of the brush are unusual features.
Callistemon serpentinus, the Woods Reef bottlebrush, is another rare, local species. As the name implies, this bottlebrush in found near the Wood Reef asbestos mine.
Reaching a height of three metres, this bottlebrush has narrow, leathery leaves that contain oil dots. Flowers are creamy green and held in spikes up to six centimetres long. Each spike has 15 to 35 individual flowers.
In cultivation, this species has proved to be hardy and free flowering.
Callistemon “White Anzac” is a form of the lemon-scented bottlebrush from Anzac Cove, southern Sydney. “White Anzac” is a sprawling shrub about one metre tall with a spread of three metres. Flowers are pure white ageing to creamy white. The spikes are often held in groups of three.
Blooms are carried from November to February.
This unusual bottlebrush could be grown as a foreground plant in garden beds.
These are three unusual bottlebrushes that could be grown with red flowering varieties to bring interest to the garden.
They have all proved to be very durable and free flowering in local gardens.