Crimson Bottlebrush

~ Callistemon citrinus ~

MYRTACEAE

Let me introduce the flower formally known as Callistemon citrinus. The Callistemons are commonly referred to as the Bottlebrush clan, with the Melaleucas typically known as the Paperbarks. Some plants within these two genera have floral characteristics that flow into both parties and the distinction between the two genera and whether they should be separate is another late-night debate for the botanists. It seems there is a glitch in the nomenclature here for our Crimson Bottlebrush, as it has been re-named Melaleuca citrina in some states and in many organisations and databases. The almighty Australian Plant Census (APC), however, loosely classifies this new name as a synonym for now, so we will follow suit. Crimson Bottlebrush can generally be seen surrounded by a party of hungry birds, such as the seed-snacking Crimson Rosellas (Platycercus elegans) and the honey-eating, sparrow-like Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), illustrated here.

WHERE TO LOOK

The Crimson Bottlebrush can be found from the temperate south-east corner of New South Wales up to subtropical north Queensland, along roadsides, riverbanks and swamps. It can also be seen further inland and on the east coast of Victoria.

Locations → Queensland: Mount Coot-tha Reserve; NSW: Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives, Mabel Falls Reserve and Meroo National Park; Victoria: Dandenong Ranges National Park; WA: Sandford Rocks Nature Reserve.

FEATURES

The woody Crimson Bottlebrush shrub grows 1–5m tall and wide. Its famous red flower is considered an inflorescence, which features up to 80 small individual flowers densely arranged around a central spike measuring 5–12cm. This arrangement of ‘bristles’ gives it its ‘bottle-brush’ vibe. These small flowers are made up of a cluster of around 30 to 40 stamens featuring a bright red filament (giving it its overall hue) and purple anthers. The stiff flat leaves give off a citrusy aroma when crushed and are 2–10cm long. The woody fruiting capsules are 4–7mm, sit in clusters along the branches and can stay on the plant for many years.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring and summer → Flowers can be seen all year but they’re particularly prominent in the festive season: November and December. Harvest some this Christmas for a stunning dining table centrepiece.

PLANTING

Seeds and plants are widely available online and in most nurseries with a gazillion options for local cultivars. These are easy to grow from seed and semi-hard cuttings (the wood should bend easily and snap when bent double). The closed seed capsules can be cut off at the branch and placed in a warm spot to stimulate opening.