Overview
Callistemon formosus is a bushy shrubs in the genus Callistemon, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Callistemon formosus grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, mediterranean climate plants and patio and container plants.
About
Callistemon formosus, known as the cliff bottlebrush, is an evergreen shrub from the Myrtaceae family. It features bushy growth with fragrant, narrow to lanceolate leaves and distinctive bottlebrush-like flower spikes with vividly coloured stamens. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a south or west-facing aspect and prefers sheltered positions. It grows well in fertile, well-drained soils including clay, loam, and sand, with acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate settings, patios, and containers, offering interest in spring and summer.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Callistemon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Callistemon formosus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Callistemon formosus
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insect, mealy bug and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Callistemon formosus?
Callistemon formosus prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Callistemon formosus need?
Callistemon formosus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Callistemon formosus hardy in the UK?
Callistemon formosus has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Callistemon formosus?
Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Callistemon genus
- Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem'
- Callistemon teretifolius
- Callistemon viminalis 'Hannah Ray'
- Callistemon viminalis 'Little John'bottlebrush 'Little John'
- Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant'bottlebrush 'Malawi Giant'
- Callistemon 'Red Rocket'
- Callistemon viridisgreen bottlebrush