About

Callistemon salignus is a compact, semi-hardy evergreen tree or shrub that can reach heights of up to 4 meters. It features slender, dark green leaves with reddish tones in new growth. From late spring through midsummer, it produces creamy white flowers that resemble bottlebrushes. The leaves emit a lemon fragrance, and the bark is thin and white in texture.

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
Sand, Loam
Soil pH
Neutral, Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H2

Plant details

Plant type
Trees, Shrubs
Habit
Bushy
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
4-8 metres
Spread
2.5-4 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
Coastal, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical
Native to
Australia
Fragrance
Foliage

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow in a frost-free, sheltered position in full sun with a moist but well-drained soil. Ideal for an unheated, but frost-free conservatory or greenhouse. If planting in a container, use a well-drained peat-free mix with 20% by volume of horticultural grit added
Pruning
Pruning group 8
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