Callistemon

The genus Callistemon, or Beautiful Staminate (Callistemon), belongs to about 25 species of shrubs and small trees, which are valued for inflorescences resembling shoe brushes. There are a lot of leaves, they are small, dense, when rubbed, they emit a specific smell; the crown can be sparse or thick; the shoots are faceted, they are formed over the inflorescences, continuing the branches. Flowers with numerous stamens are collected in dense ears. Each individual flower is quite small, but in general the spike is large. Fruits are lignified multi-seeded boxes that are kept on the plant for a long time. Lemon yellow Callistemon (Callistemon citrinus) is the most common species; it is characterized by linear-lanceolate leaves of grayish-green color and flowers blooming in July with long crimson-red stamens with yellow tips, collected in ears 10 cm long. Callistemon grows in moist soils; it has a rapid development. Callistemon linearis is characterized by linear light green leaves; flowers with long bright red stamens are collected in inflorescences 15 cm long. Callistemon salignus is a more compact shrub, up to 4 m high, with characteristic linear-lanceolate leaves and yellow flowers blooming in June in cylindrical spikes shorter than in other species.

The genus Callistemon, or Beautiful Staminate (Callistemon), belongs to about 25 species of shrubs and small trees, which are valued for inflorescences resembling shoe brushes. There are a lot of leaves, they are small, dense, when rubbed, they emit a specific smell; the crown can be sparse or thick; the shoots are faceted, they are formed over the inflorescences, continuing the branches. Flowers with numerous stamens are collected in dense ears. Each individual flower is quite small, but in general the spike is large. Fruits are lignified multi-seeded boxes that are kept on the plant for a long time.

Lemon yellow Callistemon (Callistemon citrinus) is the most common species; it is characterized by linear-lanceolate leaves of grayish-green color and flowers blooming in July with long crimson-red stamens with yellow tips, collected in ears 10 cm long. Callistemon grows in moist soils; it has a rapid development.

Callistemon linearis is characterized by linear light green leaves; flowers with long bright red stamens are collected in inflorescences 15 cm long.

Callistemon salignus is a more compact shrub, up to 4 m high, with characteristic linear-lanceolate leaves and yellow flowers blooming in June in cylindrical spikes shorter than in other species.

Cultivation

These plants are cultivated outside the house in the open ground, although potting is also possible. In areas with a cool climate, it is recommended to mulch the soil around them with straw, leaves, peat or other materials for the winter. If the plant is in a pot, it can be placed in a lighted but unheated room. Callistemons are planted in the final place in April-May. They prefer slightly acidic, well-drained soils. They tolerate pruning well. For a friendly flowering of the plant once in 3 years, cut off at the root.

Temperature

Callistemons are quite hardy plants, but they are afraid of prolonged frosts. In any case, do not allow the temperature to fall below 6-7 °C.

Watering

It is necessary to water only young plants immediately after planting in a permanent habitat. Adult specimens are extremely hardy to drought. Stagnant water in the soil is very dangerous.

Transplant

If potted plants become bulky, they should be transplanted in the spring.

Reproduction

Callistemons are propagated by cuttings, cutting in June-August semi-lignified cuttings (a branch of the current year with a" heel") 10 cm long. They are planted in a sand-peat mixture and maintain the air temperature at 18-20 °C. Sowing is carried out in March. Seeds collected in the previous autumn are stored in a closed, heated, very lit place, maintaining high humidity. Sprouted seedlings, as soon as they reach a suitable size, are transplanted into 8-10-centimeter cups, where they winter at a temperature of 7 °C. Next spring, they are transplanted into large pots up to transplants to a permanent place, which is done in a year.

Diseases

Callistemons are affected by mealybugs. If possible, infected parts are removed or get rid of parasites using a rag or cotton swab soaked in alcohol, then treated with special insecticides.

Acquisition

You can easily find callistemons in specialized gardening centers and nurseries. The best time to purchase them is in spring, when the plants can be immediately planted in a permanent place. Choose plants with glossy foliage.