Callistemon (Callistemon) has several more names – krasnootychnochnik, krasnoychnochnik. These are shrubs or small trees, they belong to the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae) and come from Australia. They can grow here only in indoor conditions or in winter gardens, since they cannot stand frost. They are very popular due to the unusual shape of their flowers.
Callistemon, or Krasnoychnochnik, or Krasnoychnochnik
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Callistemon Description
Callistemon is an evergreen plant. Inflorescences with long stamens resemble bottle brushes. It is the stamens that give the flowers a spectacular and original look, while the petals are small and inconspicuous. Flowers up to 12 cm long, dense, cylindrical in shape. Appear at the ends of branches. After flowering, woody small spherical fruits are formed.
In nature, callistemon flowers are pollinated by birds that come to feast on sweet nectar. The narrow, alternate leathery leaves are so tough that their sharp edges can hurt. The leaves contain essential oil. They are arranged in a spiral around the stem. Callistemon has an interesting feature – its leaves are always turned to the sun by the edge. This reduces their heating, and the plant protects itself from moisture loss.
Callistemon lemon ‘Little John’. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com Laura
Care for Callistemon
Callistemon needs a lot of bright sunlight, otherwise it will not develop and bloom well. Water abundantly, never allowing the earthen coma to dry out. It is better to use soft water, since callistemon does not tolerate excess lime well.
In winter, a dormant period begins for the plant. Its growth stops. He must spend the winter in a cool, no more than 12 ºC, bright room.
In the spring, the plant is pruned to make it look neat and bush better. Callistemon tolerates pruning without problems. Then it is transplanted into fresh soil. It should be borne in mind that callistemon does not tolerate calcareous soil well. A neutral substrate will do.
Callistemon lemon ‘White Anzac’. Farmer Burea-Uinsurance.com dialatree
Reproduction of callistemon
Callistemon propagates by seeds and cuttings. Plants grown from seeds bloom quite late – in the 4th or 5th year of life. Therefore, it is faster to grow new plants from woody cuttings, cut from late summer to early spring. The cuttings are planted in pots with loose soil, covered with a plastic bag and kept at a temperature of about 20 degrees.
Callistemona bush flowering
Difficulties in growing callistemon
Needs fresh air, so it is better if there is an opportunity to take the plant out into the garden or on the balcony.
If wintering was very warm, over 15 ºC, callistemon may not bloom. You can not wait for flowering even if your green pet does not have enough light.
