Callistemon

Bottlebrush

Message of the Flower

Joy of Vegetal Nature in Answer to the New Light

The Mother’s Comment

It dances with joy and laughs happily.

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

Flowers spoke in ardent hues an unknown joy…

Sri Aurobindo, Savitri - II: Nirvana and the Discovery of the All-Negating Absolute

Colour

Typically red, but can also be found in shades of pink, yellow, green, or white

Family

Myrtaceae

Cultivars

Kings Park Special', 'Little John', 'Endeavour', 'Captain Cook'

Person who named the flower

Robert Brown

Flower Size

Varies; can be up to several inches long

Flower Texture

Stiff bristles

Number of Petals

Small, not particularly noticeable as the stamens are the prominent feature

Floral Symmetry

Radial

Fragrance of Flower

Some have a light fragrance

Leaf Texture

Generally stiff and leathery

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green, sometimes with a blue-grey tint

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Shrubs or small trees

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Varies, often spring and summer,

Climate

Prefer warm, temperate to subtropical climates

Water Requirements

Drought-tolerant once established

Soil Type

Adaptable; prefers well-drained soils

Temperature Ranges

Frost-tolerant to varying degrees depending on the species

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Generally resistant but can be affected by scale insects and some fungal diseases

Pollinators

Attracts bees, birds, and butterflies

Habitat

Native to Australia

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides nectar and pollen for pollinators,

Ornamental

Widely used in gardens and landscaping for their attractive flowers and hardiness

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Mainly ornamental

Endangered Status

Not endangered; widely cultivated