Lemon Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) approx. 30 seeds

Crimson Bottlebrush - Callistemon citrinus - 30 Seeds

A shrub native to southeastern Australia that can reach heights of up to 3 m. Flowers grow along the branches and are up to 10 cm long. They bloom in June and July, with many flowering twice a year. The evergreen, lanceolate leaves grow up to 7 cm long. Young leaves are hairy and release a lemon scent when crushed. Looks stunning when grown as a bonsai. Bottlebrush is grown in containers and can summer outdoors on patios or balconies.

How to Grow Bottlebrush

• Requires a very bright location or full sun. Water generously during the growing season. Avoid waterlogging and hard water. Prune overly long shoots after flowering. Plants overwinter in bright, cool conditions at temperatures of +5 to 10°C. Water approximately every 4 weeks, as the root ball must not dry out completely. Repot in spring. Requires cool overwintering to flower.

• Sow seeds on the surface of well-draining substrate under glass. Maintain moisture by misting. Cover the container with glass or foil, ensuring air circulation while maintaining higher humidity. After germination and when seedlings are strong enough, transplant them with their root ball into a larger container. Young plants must be kept in a frost-free location during winter.

• Bottlebrush thrives in acidic soils. A suitable substrate is standard peat-based compost.

• During the growing season, fertilize plants every 14 days with lime-free fertilizers.

• Does not suffer from diseases or pests. Plants may rarely be affected by scale insects during overwintering that is too warm or dark, or in summer when placed among other infested plants.