Overview
Callistemon viridis is a bushy shrubs in the genus Callistemon, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Callistemon viridis 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
Callistemon viridis, commonly known as green bottlebrush, is an evergreen shrub belonging to the Myrtaceae family. It features the characteristic fragrant, narrow to lanceolate leaves typical of the Callistemon genus, along with distinctive bottlebrush-like flower spikes with elongated stamens. This bushy shrub thrives in full sun with a south- or west-facing aspect and prefers sheltered positions. It grows best in fertile, moist but well-drained loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suitable for coastal and cottage gardens, conservatories, and flower borders, offering interest in spring and 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 viridis 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 viridis
- 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 viridis?
Callistemon viridis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Callistemon viridis need?
Callistemon viridis grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Callistemon viridis hardy in the UK?
Callistemon viridis 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 viridis?
Seed sown in spring, Semi-ripe cuttings in summer.
More in the Callistemon genus
- Callistemon formosuscliff bottlebrush
- Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem'
- Callistemon teretifolius
- Callistemon viminalis 'Hannah Ray'
- Callistemon viminalis 'Little John'bottlebrush 'Little John'
- Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant'bottlebrush 'Malawi Giant'
- Callistemon 'Red Rocket'