Callistemon Inferno ('Yanferno') (PBR)
weeping bottlebrush
- Position: full sun
- Soil: moist, well-drained, neutral to acid soil
- Rate of growth: average
- Flowering period: April to August
- Hardiness: half hardy (will need winter protection)
A relatively recent introduction, this bottlebrush is said to be hardier than many of the other forms, which makes it ideal for planting out in a sunny, sheltered spot in milder regions. Relatively compact in stature, its upright leafy stems are topped with distinctive poker-like heads of bright crimson flowers from mid-spring. These will usually appear in profusion over several months, really putting on a mouth-watering display - while at the same time, attracting birds and bees from far and wide. In colder regions, grow it in a larger pot, so it can be moved to a shltered spot when the temperatures start to dip. - Garden care: Tip prune young plants to encourage bushy growth. Established plants should be pruned in stages over two or three summers, cutting back older wood to younger, outward-facing shoots immediately after flowering. Protect from low temperatures and waterlogged conditions.