The bottlebrushes ( Callistemon ) are a genus of trees and shrub native to Australia , but used as ornamentals in quick climates in the United States and elsewhere . There are between 20 and 40 species . All are evergreen , with aromatic leaves . The nickname " bottlebrush " comes from the fact that the long cherry-red stamens of the tiny heyday place upright out from the spike , give them a brush - like appearing . Bottlebrushes are members of the Myrtaceae , or myrtle family unit , and are related to a number of useful plants , including guavas and the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that produces the spice garlic clove .

LIfe Cycle: Seeds

The seeded player of Callistemon are contain in woody , assail abridgement that may remain on the plant ’s stems for several years . The capsule are adapt to survive copse fires that are common in voice of the plant ’s aboriginal habitat . These fire , or the death of the plant life , cause the seeds to be released through slits in the top of the capsules . Seeds germinate in 14 to 30 days , depending on the mintage . Some species , most notably Callistemon citrinus , gain flowering size in about six years . If seed came from a hybrid diverseness , the materialization may not resemble the flora from which it came .

Flowering and Pollination

Young plants sprout evergreen parting that are often redolent . The flowers , when they appear , are tiny and either red or yellow-bellied , depend on the species . The distinctive stamens come along at the same fourth dimension . blossom sentence for the flowers is spring or summer and occurs over a long geological period . pollenation is by birds , though the plants are often frequented by bee , geckos and other wildlife . Different Callistemon species maturate in proximity of each other will hybridise pronto .

Maturity

Depending on the mintage , Callistemon has a intermediate - to - riotous development pace and can make 18 to 25 feet in height . Callistemon citrinus , one of the most commonly grown species , has a maturation rate of 36 inches per season and a lifespan of less than 50 years . The flowers appear on the stem below the current twelvemonth ’s growth .

Collecting Seeds

To hasten the propagation summons , seedpods can be collected from bottlebrush trees . After aggregation , they should be stored in a paper bag and placed in a warm location . The seminal fluid pods should open and release the cum within a few days , at which sentence the seeds can be sown in a fast - drain soil mix .

Culture

Though Callistemon only occurs in the wilderness in Australia , it can be successfully develop outdoors in strong wintertime climate such as Florida and coastal California . It may also be grown as container specimens in cold winter climates , as long as it is overwintered indoors under coolheaded conditions . Plants can be grown from seed , propagated from semi - mature wood cutting or grow from potted specimens purchased from nurseries . Young transplanted specimens should be implant in full sun and watered regularly until they are plant . They should also be fertilize during the growing time of year and cut , if necessary , to control growth .

References

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