Care of the shrub Callistemon pallidus or Lemon Bottlebrush |
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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. They are used for displays, informal hedges and as isolated specimens. They are ideal plants for Mediterranean coastal gardens due to their tolerance to salinity. A sweet drink can be obtained by soaking the inflorescences in water. They are honey plants that attract bees. Callistemon pallidus needs full sun or semi-shade exposure. They have good resistance to frost. They can be grown in any type of soil that has good drainage. They are drought-resistant plants that need moderate watering all year long, waiting for the soil to dry out. They do not need fertilizers. Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance. They are plants resistant to pests and diseases. They propagate by seeds sown in spring; they take 2-3 weeks to germinate. |
Images of the shrub Callistemon pallidus or Lemon Bottlebrush |
 Callistemon pallidus  Callistemon pallidus  Callistemon pallidus |