Bottlebrush (Callistemon) is a genus with 34 species from the family Myrtaceae. The majority of Callistemon species are endemic to Australia, four species are also found in New Caledonia. They are commonly referred to as bottlebrushes because of their cylindrical, brush like flowers resembling a traditional bottle brush. They are found in the more temperate regions of Australia. They are relatively slow growing though in time the larger species can grow up to 4 metres. The leaves are linear to lanceolate and are not shed in the winter. They have been grown in Europe since a specimen of Callistemon citrinus was introduced to Kew Gardens in London by Joseph Banks in 1789. They can be propagated either by cuttings (some species more easily than others), or from the rounded seeds which remain on the plant.
External link
The Callistemon Page (http://farrer.riv.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/callistn.html#intro)
Australian National Botanic Gardens Callistemon (Bottlebrushes) (http://www.anbg.gov.au/callistemon/)
Callistemon 'Harkness', Callistemon 'Hannah Ray' and Callistemon 'Dawson River Weeper' are large shrubs growing 4 to 5 m tall.
Callistemon 'Little John' is a dwarf cultivar which produces masses of flowers, and which has blue-green foliage.
Callistemon 'Reeves Pink' and Callistemon 'Mauve Mist' produce attractive pink flowers and grow well near a wall in cold areas and flourish in warmer climates.
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