About

Callistemon rugulosus is an evergreen shrub that can reach a height of 4 meters. It features elongated, lanceolate leaves measuring up to 8 centimeters. During the summer months, this plant showcases 15-centimeter-long inflorescences resembling bottlebrushes, adorned with yellow-tipped stamens.

About the genus

Callistemon consists of evergreen shrubs characterized by their fragrant, narrow to lanceolate leaves. These plants produce distinctive bottlebrush-like flower spikes, where the elongated, vividly colored stamens are particularly noticeable.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
2.5-4 metres
Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants
Native to
S & E Australia

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun; established plants are drought resistant. In colder areas grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with good ventilation. Pot on or top dress in early spring
Pruning
See pruning group 8; tolerates hard pruning and may require restrictive pruning when grown under glass
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in spring, or root semi-ripe cuttings in summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to scale insect, mealy bug and glasshouse red spider mite
Disease resistance
May be susceptible to honey fungus