General Description:

Callistemon is a genus of around 50 species, all of which are found naturally only in Australia.  Some authorities now include Callistemon in the related genus Melaleuca, but this classification is not universally accepted (see footnote box). Numerous named cultivars of Callistemon are available.

Callistemon citrinus is the most widely cultivated member of the genus both in Australia and overseas (where it is sometimes known by its older name of C.lanceolatus). Note also that the name Melaleuca citrina had been previously used for a Western Australian species – that plant is now called Melaleuca lutea.

The species has been responsible for many of the cultivars that are seen in gardens, sometimes as hybrids with other Callistemon species. Most of these cultivars have arisen as chance seedlings rather than by deliberate hybridisation. Some of the better known cultivars of C.citrinus are “Mauve Mist” (mauve), “Burgundy” (purple-red), “White Anzac”, “Endeavour” (red) and “Reeves Pink” (pink).

In general, Callistemon citrinus is a medium shrub reaching about 2m by 2m. Some forms may vary from the typical size (eg. C.”White Anzac” is generally a shrub to 1m). It is a hardy plant under a wide range of conditions. Flowering occurs in spring and a separate flush can occur in autumn.

Like most Callistemons, C.citrinus (and its various forms) are adaptable to a wide range of soils and climate and may be pruned severely if necessary. Many Callistemons can tolerate less than perfect drainage but usually perform best in gardens with reasonable drainage and regular availability of water. Callistemons respond to well to annual fertilising after flowering and are not as sensitive as some other Australian plants to phosphorus.

Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings. However, propagation of named cultivars must not be carried out from seed because of seedling variation that occurs.