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 pachyphyllus is a small to medium sized shrub, usually reaching around 1 metre in height. It’s common name comes from the sandy, coastal heath habitat which is known as “Wallum”.

Although not widely cultivated, Callistemon pachyphyllus is a hardy plant under a wide range of garden conditions. The “bottlebrush” flower spikes appear in late spring and are usually red in colour. The green flowered form is the variety viridis which is found throughout the range of the species.

The plant responds to annual fertilising after flowering 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.

Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings. The green form could be expected to come true from seed.