Bottlebrush ................................................................. Callistemon Lanceolatus Family: Myrtaceae Other Common Names Weeping Bottlebrush, Pokok Berus Botol Region of Origin New South Wales, Australia

Description
Known as Bottlebrush because of its cylindrical, brush-like shape, this plant can attain a height of several meters. Most are small to medium shrubs but some are prostrate and a few can become small to medium-sized trees.

Flowers are cylindrical spikes with masses of crimson brushlike stamens and dark yellow anthers. The showy parts are the stamens, the petals being small and inconspicuous. Stamens are indefinite (numerous), filaments are long and slender and sometimes in bundles with a disc often present.

Propagation
Can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. However, to maintain desirable characteristics of a particular plant, cuttings must be used.

Germination of seed is quite easy, no special pretreatments and germination should occur in 14 to 30 days. Germination is usually via the “bog method” where pot containing seeds is placed into a saucer of water until germination occurs. This results in moisture reaching seeds by capillary action and ensures that seeds do not dry out.

Maintenance
Prefers dry locations, grows well in sea-side gardens. Flowering is reduced in wet soil or during rainy season. Pruning will render the shape more attractive and produce a denser crown but will discourage flowering.

Can thrive under all conditions except total shade. Keys to growing success is pruning, pest control and fertilizing. It is tolerant of fertilizers and the use of slow-release fertilizer after flowering is sufficient.

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