The species Callistemon linearis, Callistemon rigidus and Callistemon subulatus are all closely allied to this species and are somewhat hardier[].

Common Name: Crimson Bottlebrush

General Information

Callistemon citrinus is an erect, straggly, evergreen shrub, occasionally becoming a small tree, usually growing about 1 - 3 metres tall, occasionally reaching 4.5 metres[, ].
The plant has a number of uses for which it is harvested from the wild. The plant is also widely cultivated as an ornamental in tropical to warm temperate areas[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, 200,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria

Habitat

Swamps and along the sides of rocky streams[]. Widespread and locally common in swamps near coast and along rocky watercourses in New South Wales[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.50 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Birds
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Callistemon citrinus is a plant of mainly warm temperate to subtropical areas of eastern Australia, just reaching into the tropics.
Succeeds in any soil, tolerating both water-logging and drought[]. Requires a fertile well-drained moisture retentive soil in full sun[]. Succeeds in a hot position in dry soils. Accepts very wet conditions in Australian gardens[]. Prefers an acid soil, not doing very well on chalk[]. Succeeds in exposed positions by the sea[].
Plants are very tolerant of pruning, even old plants will regenerate if pruned back hard into the old wood[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[].
The leaves vary considerably in shape and are lemon scented[, ]. The leaves, when pressed, emit a refreshing scent of lemon[].
Plants can flower twice a year if they receive sufficient water[].
The woody seed capsules remain closed on the branches for years, usually opening after a forest fire when there is ample open ground for them to germinate in[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are a tea substitute and have a delightfully refreshing flavour[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

If trimmed hard, the plant can be used to make a large hedge[].

Other Uses

A tan dye is obtained from the flowers, it does not require a mordant, and is green when mordanted[]. Other members of this genus can also be used[].
A cinnamon dye is obtained from the leaves[]. Other members of this genus can also be used[].

Wood - hard, heavy, tough, close grained, but too small for economic use. Used for tool handles etc[]. It is also used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in small containers, cover with paper and stand in a few centimetres of water until germination takes place[]. Remove from the water tray as soon as the seed germinates. Seedlings are prone to damp off and must be watered with care and kept well ventilated[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel. Poor results[].

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