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CALLISTEMON rigidus
Commonly known as Stiff bottlebrush
Hardy red bottlebrush which thrives in poor soils in full sun
Further Reading....
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EvergreenLinear to lance-shaped, matt, dark-green leaves to 15cm (6in) long.
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Red
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Height1-2.5m (3-8ft)
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Spread2-3m (6-10ft)
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Tall ShrubBushy, stiff-stemmed shrub
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Half hardy - unheated greenhouse / mild winterHardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK except in severe winters and a risk from sudden (early) frosts. May be hardy elsewhere with wall shelter or good micro-climate. Likely to be damaged or killed in cold winters. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -5°C (23°F)
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Against a wall
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Full sun
CALLISTEMON rigidus
- Details
- Mature Size
- Tips and Advice
- Goes Well With
- Planting Combinations
- Other Suggestions
- See Also...
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Additional FeaturesPests & DiseasesRed spider mites, mealy bugs, scale insects under glass.Place of originAustralia (Queensland, New South Wales)Resistant to honey fungusThese plants have little or few problems with honey fungus.
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Flower ShapeSpikesNumerous spikes to 5cm (2in) long
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Garden Location/ConditionsAustralian / New ZealandPatio / pot plants
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HardinessFrost hardy (down to -5)
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Leaf marginEntire
(see photos above) -
Leaf shapeLanceolate
(see photos above) Linear(see photos above) -
Pruning groupPruning group 5Suitable for: Evergreen shrubs that require minimal pruning.
Action: Trim or lightly cut back shoots that spoil symmetry. Deadhead regularly.
When: Annually after flowering.
RHS group 8 -
Seasonal InterestAutumnSpringSummerWinter
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Soil ConditionsFertile moist well-drained soilNeutral to acid soil
Jan
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Callistemon - Growing Guide
1-2.5m (3-8ft)
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2-3m (6-10ft) |
Useful extras...

Fertilisers & Feeds - Vitax
Q4 Pelleted Fertiliser
A useful fertiliser suitable for use on a wide variety of plants. Q4 provides all the nutrients and trace elements essential for vigorous growth, abundant flowering and ripening of fruit.
3 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
Rootgrow mycorrhizal fungi
Recommended by the RHS. Contains Rootgrow™ mycorrhizal fungi. Suitable for all trees and shrubs (except rhododendrons, azaleas, heathers, cranberries and blueberries)
2 options from £6.00

Fertilisers & Feeds - Empathy
All-purpose Seaweed Stimulant
All-purpose organic concentrated seaweed feed that is a ready to use, derived from sustainable harvested kelp, that can be used on all outdoor and indoor plants, except acid loving plants.
Perfect used in conjunction with Rootgrow™.
Only £7.50