Overview
Callistemon 'Red Rocket' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Callistemon, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Callistemon 'Red Rocket' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include coastal, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, low maintenance, banks and slopes, conservatory and greenhouse and flower borders and beds.
About
Callistemon 'Red Rocket' is an evergreen shrub in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) with well-branched growth and cylindrical, bottlebrush flower heads. It prefers full sun on loam or sandy soils with an acid to neutral pH and consistent, moist but well-drained conditions. Best placed in a sheltered, south- or west-facing site or grown under glass, it carries an H3 rating (borderline) for UK hardiness. Flowering occurs from June to September.
About the genus
Callistemon is a genus of shrubs in the family Myrtaceae, first described as a genus in 1814. The entire genus is endemic to Australia but widely cultivated in many other regions and naturalised in scattered locations. Their status as a separate taxon is in doubt, some authorities accepting that the difference between callistemons and melaleucas is not sufficient for them to be grouped in a separate genus.
Wikipedia contributors, "Callistemon", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Callistemon
In the garden
Callistemon 'Red Rocket' belongs to the myrtle family and traces its origins to Australia; cultivars in this group are recognised for their cylindrical, brush-like flower heads. As an evergreen shrub with a well-branched habit it is often grown to provide summer flower interest where mild, sheltered conditions prevail. Plant in a sunny, south- or west-facing position in a soil that is loam or sandy and leans acid to neutral; keep the rootzone moist but well drained. The H3 hardiness rating means it is borderline hardy in the UK: in colder or exposed districts give a sheltered site, plant against a warm wall or move specimens into a conservatory or greenhouse during the coldest months. Use Callistemon 'Red Rocket' in seaside borders, cottage or informal planting, Mediterranean-style schemes, banks and slopes, conservatory tubs, or mixed flower borders. It complements sunny beds and slopes where its flowering spike form contrasts with broader-leaved plants. Expect flowering from June to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Callistemon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Callistemon 'Red Rocket' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance, Banks and slopes, Conservatory and greenhouse, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Callistemon 'Red Rocket'
- Propagation
- Seed sown in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Scale insect, Mealy bug, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Callistemon 'Red Rocket'?
Callistemon 'Red Rocket' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Callistemon 'Red Rocket' need?
Callistemon 'Red Rocket' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Callistemon 'Red Rocket' hardy in the UK?
Callistemon 'Red Rocket' 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 'Red Rocket'?
Seed sown in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
