Callistemon pityoides
alpine bottlebrush
A bushy evergreen shrub, up to around 2m high, with an upright habit and a dense foliage of linear, sharply pointed green leaves. Produces short spikes of yellow flowers opening from bronze buds in mid to late summer
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Myrtaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Australia
How to grow
Cultivation
Thrives in moist, neutral to acid soil in full sun.
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown onto moist compost at 16-18°C, in spring, or by heeled, semi-ripe cuttings of lateral shoots in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Minimal pruning required, see pruning group 8. Will tolerate hard pruning if necessary
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insect, mealy bug and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.