About
Callistemon subulatus 'Packer's Selection' is an evergreen shrub that typically reaches approximately 1.5 meters in height. It features slender, aromatic leaves that are dark green and taper to a point. In mid-summer, the plant produces abundant clusters of deep red, bottlebrush-like blooms, with a second flowering phase occurring later in the season, particularly in warm summers. After flowering, the shrub develops woody brown fruits that can remain on the plant for an extended time. To promote a more compact form, prune back significantly, or allow it to grow freely for a natural, fountain-like appearance.
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
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
- Plant type
- Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1-1.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
- Fragrance
- Foliage
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
- Pruning group 8
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or from semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus