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.

The taxonomy of Callistemon pityoides is a little confusing. The species had been commonly known as C.sieberi but research has shown that the latter name should actually be applied to the plant previously known as C.paludosus. This has necessitated a new name for the former C.sieberi and C.pityoides (which had been used for that plant in the past) has been reinstated.

This species is common in alpine and sub-alpine areas which it is often found in marshy conditions. It is a variable shrub with forms from higher altitudes being compact in habit to about 1 metre in height. At lower altitudes it can reach 3 metres. Leaves are narrow with a sharp point and up to 35 mm long. The brushes, which appear in late spring and summer, are usually lemon-yellow, about 100 mm long by about 25 mm diameter.  Pink flowering forms are sometimes seen.

This is an excellent species for cultivation in cold climates and it is commonly grown in England. Forms from the higher altitudes may, however, not flower well at lower elevation. The plant performs best in medium to heavy soils and can tolerate less than perfect drainage. It responds to annual fertilising after flowering.

Propagation of C.pityoides is easy from both seed and cuttings.