Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy
The bottle brush plant, Callistemon citrinus, bears dramatic crimson-red flower spikes, in contrast with dark green, aromatic foliage, in spring and summer. New foliage has a pink-red flush, but darkens with age. Native to Australia, Callistemon citrinus thrives in warm, sheltered conditions, and is suceptible to frost damage.
Holder of the Royal Horticultural Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM), Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens' is one of the most reliable bottle brush plants to grow outdoors. The dense cylindrical spikes of crimson flowers are carried on the ends of the willowy branches in summer. Even without flowers its narrow evergreen leaves provide plenty of interest and release a lemon scent if gently bruised.
For best results, and the greatest flowering potential, grow Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens' in front of a sunny wall or in a container which you can bring indoors in autumn. Plant beside a sheltered sunny wall for the best flower displays. To propagate, take cuttings in spring.
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Callistemon ‘Splendens’ and wildlife
Callistemon ‘Splendens’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Callistemon ‘Splendens’ poisonous?
Callistemon ‘Splendens’ has no toxic effects reported.
