Callistemon phoeniceus

	Family:	Myrtaceae
	Distribution:	Widespread in the south west of Western Australia.
	Common Name:	Lesser Bottlebrush
	Derivation of Name:	Callistemon...from Greek kalos; beautiful and stemon; stamens phoeniceus...a reference to the similarity of the flower colour to Phoenician dye
	Conservation Status:	Not considered to be at risk in the wild.

General Description:

Callistemon phoeniceus is one of only two Callistemon species which occur in Western Australia. The common name is an unfair comparison with the other Western species, C.speciosus. C.phoeniceus is a medium shrub of around 3 m x 2 m in size. The brushes are usually brilliant red in colour although a pink-flowered cultivar, "Pink Ice", is becoming popular in cultivation.

Callistemon phoeniceus 'Pink Ice' Photo: Brian Walters

Although native to a dry summer climate, the species has been grown successfully in the wetter summer conditions of Australia's east coast.

The plant responds to annual fertilising after flowering 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.

Propagation is easy from both seed and cuttings. The pink form must be propagated from cuttings to ensure that plants true to the parent are obtained.