Bottlebrush Callistemon rigidus
Introduction
This stiff, upright shrub is characterized by red flower spikes
that are shaped like bottle brushes. Flowers are long. The
flowers, with their showy stamens, encircle the stem and form
4-inch-long, cylindrical spikes that appear in the spring and
summer. The persistent fruits are hard seed capsules that occur
in tight clusters around the stem. The stiff, narrow leaves
of this shrub are sharply pointed and fragrant when crushed.
Bottlebrush grows from 5 to 15 feet tall. C. seboldii is another
hardy Bottlebrush, surviving temperatures of 9 degrees F. Callistemon
citrinus is a dwarf variety.
General
Information
Scientific name: Callistemon rigidus
Pronunciation: kal-liss-STEE-mun RIDGE-jid-us
Common name(s): Erect Bottlebrush, Stiff Bottlebrush
Family: Myrtaceae
Plant type: shrub
USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11
Planting month for zone 9: year round
Origin: not native to North America
Uses: reclamation plant; trained as a standard; hedge; near a deck
or patio; specimen; screen; foundation; border; attracts butterflies;
attracts hummingbirds; small parking lot islands (<
100 square feet in size); medium-sized parking lot islands (100-
200 square feet in size); large parking lot islands (> 200 square
feet in size)
Availability: somewhat available, may have to go out of the region
to find the plant
Description
Height: 5 to 15 feet
Spread: 6 to 10 feet
Plant habit: spreading; upright
Plant density: moderate
Growth rate: moderate Fruit cover: dry or hard
Texture: fine Fruit color: brown
Foliage
Leaf arrangement: alternate
Leaf type: simple Trunk/bark/branches: not particularly showy;
typically multi-
Leaf margin: ciliate
Leaf shape: linear
Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf type and persistence: evergreen
Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches
Leaf color: green
Fall color: no fall color change
Fall characteristic: not showy
Flower
Flower color: red
Flower characteristic: spring flowering; winter flowering
Fruit
Fruit shape: round
Fruit length: less than .5 inch
Fruit characteristic: persists on the plant
Trunk
and Branches
trunked or clumping stems
Current year stem/twig color: reddish
Current year stem/twig thickness: medium
Culture
Light requirement: plant grows in full sun
Soil tolerances: acidic; alkaline; sand; loam;
Drought tolerance: high
Soil salt tolerances: moderate
Plant spacing: 36 to 60 inches
Other
Roots: usually not a problem
Winter interest: plant has winter interest due to unusual form,
nice persistent fruits, showy winter trunk, or winter flowers
Outstanding plant: not particularly outstanding
Invasive potential: not known to be invasive
Pest resistance: long-term health usually not affected by pests
Use
and Management
Bottlebrush can be trained to grow into a small, multitrunk tree
by removing lower branches and foliage. It makes a nice specimen
trained in this fashion. Planted 10 to 15 feet apart it makes a
thick screen provided there is enough room for the plant to spread
laterally. Allow at least 10 feet for the tree to spread. It can
add fine-textured color to an informal shrubbery border and forms
a good, tall hedge or wind break. This plant will also function
well as a specimen planted near the patio or deck and is suited
for containerizing. Bottlebrush requires a full sun position in
the landscape and well-drained soils. It is heat and drought tolerant
but will not tolerate overwatering. Bottlebrush is known to be
difficult to transplant as a large specimen. Transplant this plant
from containers when it is small. Regular fertilization on Bottlebrush
will help maintain thick, vigorous growth and maintain green foliage
color. Propagate this plant using seeds or cuttings.
Pests and Diseases
A serious stem disease often disfigures Callistemon species causing
a witches broom. Roots also rot when the tree is planted in
a soil that is not well drained. Mites may be troublesome in
hot, dry locations.
by Edward F. Gilman
