Care of the shrub Callistemon pallidus or Lemon Bottlebrush |
The genus Callistemon, family Myrtaceae, includes 40 species of trees and shrubs native to Australia. Some species are: Callistemon pallidus, Callistemon glaucus, Callistemon citrinus, Callistemon quadrifidus, Callistemon viminalis, Callistemon rugulosus, Callistemon linearis, Callistemon subulatus. Common name: Lemon bottlebrush. This species is native to eastern Australia. They are evergreen shrubs with fine branches that reach 3 meters (9.84 feet) in height. The leaves are bluish and reach 5 cm (1.96") in length. The interesting spike-shaped inflorescences are full of yellowish flowers. They bloom in spring and summer. Lemon bottlebrush is used for displays, informal hedges and as isolated specimens. It's an ideal plant for Mediterranean coastal gardens due to their tolerance to salinity. A sweet drink can be obtained by soaking the inflorescences in water. It's a honey plant that attract bees. Callistemon pallidus needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. It has good resistance to frost. Lemon bottlebrush can be grown in any type of soil that has good drainage. Callistemon pallidus is a drought-resistant plant that need moderate watering all year long, waiting for the soil to dry out. Lemon bottlebrush does not need fertilizers. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. Callistemon pallidus is a plant resistant to pests and diseases. Lemon bottlebrush propagates by seeds sown in spring; they take 2-3 weeks to germinate. |
Images of the shrub Callistemon pallidus or Lemon Bottlebrush |