Overview
Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Callistemon, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem' 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
Melaleuca paludicola, commonly known as river bottlebrush, is a plant in the myrtle family Myrtaceae, and is endemic to eastern Australia. It is a shrub or small tree with flexible, often drooping branches, pinkish new growth and spikes of cream, pale yellow, or sometimes pink flowers in summer.
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 sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem' 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 sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem'
- 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 sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem'?
Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem' need?
Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem' grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem' hardy in the UK?
Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem' 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 sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem'?
Seed sown in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
More in the Callistemon genus
- Callistemon formosuscliff bottlebrush
- 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