According to
online sources, the Queensland Herbarium has accepted the absorption of
Callistemon into
Melaleuca. Apparently this is
due to Callistemon not being dissimiliar enough from Melaleuca to warrant having a genus all to itself, however the change isn't widely accepted and naming will vary from source to source. I've got a hunch though that the old name will stick, as these things often do.
I think my main attraction to them is their fluffy and intricate flower spikes, with colourful filaments that act as a beacon for the nectar-eating birds that are so prevalent in our corner of the world.
 |
Possibly C. Viminalis?
Not from my garden (picked from someone else's) |
I for one will keep referring to it as 'Callistemon' or by its incredibly common (and descriptive name), 'Bottlebrush', because I am stubborn that way.
 |
This photo was taken at O'Reilly's Guesthouse when we visited in 2013
You can't really see it in the photo but there were bees all over it |
I have a few callistemons, but the majority haven't rewarded me with flowers yet. The happiest (and most floriferous) by far is Callistemon "Glasshouse Country" which I picked up from the local community fair in 2013.
 |
| Callistemon "Glasshouse Country" |
It gets hot afternoon sun just about every day of the year, but it doesn't appear to care. It also doesn't get much (if any) supplemental water being in the garden on the street side of the fence - (which tends to be a bit neglected due to being out of sight (and therefore out of mind)).
 |
| More Glasshouse Country |
The beautiful soft pink flower spikes are pretty, but unfortunately after a couple of days they start looking a bit faded and on the ratty side.
 |
| They remind me of fireworks |
Another drawback of this one is its susceptibility to the dreaded
Melaleuca psillid, larvae and adults of which create a white waxy/webby coating on new growth as they feed. I tip-prune whenever I find evidence of them, rather than spraying, which I think the waxy coating would repel anyway.
 |
| Glasshouse Country with active psyllids |
 |
| Close up of the waxy/webby coating the active psyllids create |
 |
| Callistemon (no ID) showing psyllid damage via yellow and brown spots |
Not all callistemons (melaluecas/bottlebrushes) are susceptible to this nasty little bug - I currently have another five of them growing in various spots (a couple in pots) in my garden, and so far haven't seen nearly as much damage on any of the others - even on those growing less than a metre on either side (a 'White Anzac' and 'Purple Splendour'). One thing in Glasshouse Country's favour is that it hasn't let the psyllids get it down - it always looks quite healthy and has even flowered through it all. Unlike the plant in the last photo, a no-ID cascade-style callistemon that had flowers similar to Glasshouse Country in shape and colour. Its infestation was so chronic that I ended up binning it to put it out of its misery (and save my sanity).
I would now like a very vibrant red callistemon to round out my collection, but before I buy I will be researching its resistance to this pest first. Any ideas?
