Care of the shrub Callistemon rugulosus or Scarlet Bottlebrush |
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The genus Callistemon, family Myrtaceae, includes 40 species of trees and shrubs native to Australia. Some species are: Callistemon rugulosus, Callistemon pallidus, Callistemon glaucus, Callistemon citrinus, Callistemon quadrifidus, Callistemon viminalis, Callistemon linearis, Callistemon subulatus. Common name: Scarlet Bottlebrush. This species is native to eastern Australia. They are evergreen shrubs of disorderly bearing that reach 5 meters (16.4 feet) in height. The leaves are alternate, rigid, green in color and end in a sharp point. The flowers can be red or purple with yellow tips and appear in spikes. They bloom in summer. These easy-to-grow shrubs are used for windbreak screens, in bushy groups and as isolated specimens; they can also be grown near ponds. They are ideal plants for Mediterranean coastal gardens due to their tolerance to salinity. A sweet drink is obtained by soaking the inflorescences in water. They attract bees. Callistemon rugulosus needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. They resist frost well. They prefer light, moist soils but can grow in well-drained garden soil or sandy soils. This species needs a little more water than other Callistemons. Water regularly, waiting for the topsoil to dry. They do not need fertilizers. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. They are resistant plants to the usual pests and diseases. They propagate by seeds sown in spring that germinate in a few weeks. |
Images of the shrub Callistemon rugulosus or Scarlet Bottlebrush |
 Callistemon rugulosus  Callistemon rugulosus |