Overview
Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Callistemon, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 5-10 years. Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal and wall side borders.
About
Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' is a bushy evergreen shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family, commonly known as bottlebrush 'Little John'. It grows to a height and spread of 0.5 to 1 metre over 5 to 10 years. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a west or south-facing aspect and prefers a sheltered position. It adapts well to clay, loam, or sand soils that are moist but well-drained, and can tolerate acid to neutral pH levels. 'Little John' offers seasonal interest throughout spring, summer, and winter, making it suitable for conservatory or greenhouse cultivation.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Callistemon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 5-10 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Callistemon viminalis 'Little John'
- Propagation
- Seed, semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects, Mealybugs, Glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Callistemon viminalis 'Little John'?
Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' need?
Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' grow?
Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 5-10 years to reach full size.
Is Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' hardy in the UK?
Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' 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 viminalis 'Little John'?
Seed, semi-ripe cuttings.
More in the Callistemon genus
Browse all Callistemon →
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