Plant Doctor Archive

Bottle brush

I have a bottle brush tree approximately 8 foot high, 25 years old. It has always been poor in flowering. What can I do to improve it?

For a bottle brush tree that is 25 years old, this is very slow growing. They enjoy a sunny, sheltered situation and a well-drained soil. Regular trimming will encourage flowering.

Is it planted in garden beds? Callistemon do not like a rich soil — overfeeding and generous applications of compost are not to their liking. Feed sparingly with a balanced fertiliser in spring and autumn.

They are tolerant of dry conditions, but occasional deep watering during dry periods will benefit.

Advice by Dr Dan Blanchon from Unitec's Diploma in Sustainable Horticulture and Bachelor of Resource Management.

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