Callistemon salignus Red Willow is a hardy, evergreen Australian native shrub or small tree known for its flushes of bright red bottlebrush flowers that appear from late spring through summer. The flowers contrast beautifully with its narrow, willow-like green leaves and creamy bark, adding colour and texture to the landscape.
Ideal for native, coastal, wildlife-friendly, and low-maintenance gardens, Callistemon salignus Red Form is suitable for screening, hedging, or feature planting. It thrives in full sun, tolerates a range of soils including clay and loam, and is drought-tolerant once established. Space approximately 1.5 to 2 metres apart for hedging or screening.
Forms a tall shrub or small tree reaching around 3 to 6 metres high and 2.5 to 4 metres wide.
Trimming: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage dense, bushy growth. Remove any dead, damaged or crossing branches. For hedging, clip annually in late summer or early autumn.
Deadheading: Recommended. Remove spent flower spikes to promote further flowering and maintain a tidy appearance, especially in younger plants.
Fertilising: Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertiliser in early spring. In poorer soils, supplement with a liquid feed every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season to support healthy foliage and flowering.
Watering: Water regularly during the establishment phase. Once established, this variety is drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering during extended dry spells.
Pest Control: Generally pest-resistant, but monitor for scale or aphids, particularly during warm weather. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil if required.
Disease Management: Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot. Ensure good air circulation to reduce the risk of fungal diseases such as leaf spot. Remove and dispose of affected foliage promptly to prevent spread.
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