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Callistemon citrinus 'Firebrand'

An evergreen shrub to 1m, with arching branches, dark green leaves to 10cm long, and silvery pink young shoots. In spring and summer it produces crimson, bottlebrush-like flower spikes to 15cm long

Synonyms
Callistemon citrinus 'Austraflora Firebrand'

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Myrtaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus

Callistemon are evergreen shrubs with aromatic, linear to lance-shaped leaves and bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers in which the long colourful stamens are prominent

Name status

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun; established plants are drought resistant. In colder areas grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with good ventilation. Pot on or top dress in early spring

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in spring, or root semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Banks and slopes
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders
Pruning

See pruning group 8; tolerates hard pruning and may require restrictive pruning when grown under glass

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insect, mealy bug and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus

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