Callistemon citrinus

	Family:	Myrtaceae
	Distribution:	New South Wales, Victoria and southern Queensland, usually in wet or swampy conditions.
	Common Name:	Crimson Bottlebrush
	Derivation of Name:	Callistemon...from Greek kalos; beautiful and stemon; stamens citrinus...from Latin citrinus; lemon, referring to the scent of the leaves
	Conservation Status:	Not considered to be at risk in the wild.

General Description:

Callistemon citrinus is the most widely cultivated member of the genus both in Australia and overseas (where it is sometimes known by its older name of C.lanceolatus).

Left: Typical colour form of Callistemon citrinus Right: Callistemon citrinus 'White Anzac' Photos: Brian Walters

The species has been responsible for may of the cultivars that are seen in gardens, sometimes as hybrids with other Callistemon species. Most of these cultivars have arisen as chance seedlings rather than by deliberate hybridisation. Some of the better known cultivars of C.citrinus are "Mauve Mist" (mauve), "Burgundy" (purple-red), "White Anzac", "Endeavour" (red) and "Reeves Pink" (pink).

In general, C.citrinus is a medium shrub reaching about 2m by 2m. Some forms may vary from the typical size (eg. C."White Anzac" is generally a shrub to 1m). It is a hardy plant under a wide range of conditions.

Like most Callistemons, C.citrinus (and its various forms) are adaptable to a wide range of soils and climate and may be pruned severely if necessary. Many Callistemons can tolerate less than perfect drainage but usually perform best in gardens with reasonable drainage and regular availability of water. Callistemons respond to well to annual fertilising after flowering and are not as sensitive as some other Australian plants to phosphorus.

Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings. However, propagation of named cultivars must not be carried out from seed because of seeding variation that occurs.