Lemon Bottlebrush, Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus)

Lemon Bottlebrush, Crimson Bottlebrush
Scientific Name: Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels
Synonym: Callistemon lanceolatus
Family: Myrtaceae

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Blooming Lemon Bottlebrush in late april in Phoenix Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 8-9,11-24
USDA: 8b-11

Frost Tolerance: Hardy in Phoenix
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Southeastern Australia
Growth Habits: Evergreen shrub to 10 feet tall (3 m) depending on the variety
Watering Needs: Little water when established
Propagation: Seeds (growing very slowly and giving seedling of great variability), semi-hardwood cuttings

There are 20 odd species of Callistemon, all native to Australia. The leaves of Callistemon citrinus have a slight lemony flavor when crushed (that's were the name 'citrinus' comes from). It is often sheared to make hedges, in this case it doesn't bloom as much.

Lemon Bottlebrush, Crimson Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus)

Cultural Practices:
The Lemon Bottlebrush is very tolerant of heat, cold and bad soil. Use fertilizer for acid loving plants if it starts showing signs of chlorosis. To use as a screen, plant every 4 to 6 feet (1.2 m to 1.8m), trimming the upper part of the bush will be needed when the bottlebrush becomes older to keep the lower foliage.

Blooming Habits:
Conspicuous red flowers, most of the year.

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