Callistemon subulatus 'Packer's Selection'

RHS Plant Profile
bottlebrush 'Packer's Selection'
Shrubs

A shrubby, slightly lax and weeping evergreen shrub to around 1.5m, with narrow, dark green aromatic foliage, pointed at the tips. Masses of rich dark red, silky bottlebrush-like flowers appear in mid-summer with another flush of flowers later in the season in a hot summer. Flowers are followed by brown, woody fruits which may persist for a long period. Prune back hard to maintain a compact shape, or leave to grow naturally to form a fountain-like haze of branches

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Myrtaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Callistemon are evergreen shrubs with aromatic, linear to lance-shaped leaves and bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers in which the long colourful stamens are prominent
Name Status
Not established

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, neutral to acid soil in full sun; established plants are drought resistant. In colder areas grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full light with good ventilation. Pot on or top dress in early spring

Propagation

Propagate by seed or from semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Climber and wall shrubs
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus