When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)?

Spruance
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When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 4, 2009 13:28:53 GMT

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Post by Spruance on Apr 4, 2009 13:28:53 GMT

We have a three year old Bottlebrush (Callistemon) in the front garden which is now well established but as a result is becoming quite bushy. It usually flowers in early summer so I am wondering if it is too late to cut it back now??

Any thoughts?

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Tig
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When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 4, 2009 14:29:39 GMT

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Post by Tig on Apr 4, 2009 14:29:39 GMT

I think pruning them is an Autumn job Spru - but the callistemon laevis I bought last year has been hammered by frost damage so will have to be taken back to healthy green growth - unless it sprouts on the brown bits

I'm leaving it until May as what is brown and crisp might protect the green bits below.

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andy Head Gardener I hate gardening !!!! Posts: 4,222	When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 4, 2009 16:27:30 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by andy on Apr 4, 2009 16:27:30 GMT yeah...after flowering would be my choice although they still have to shoot and the flowers will come on those shoots so maybe you could give it a trim now.
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purplejulia
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When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 5, 2009 11:19:57 GMT

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Post by purplejulia on Apr 5, 2009 11:19:57 GMT

I bought one last year and I must say mine is not looking too healthy. The leaves look brown and wilted. I think I will leave it alone as Tig is doing and hope it recovers. Mine is only about 18 inches tall so just a wee baby really.

Spruance
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When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 5, 2009 11:57:25 GMT

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Post by Spruance on Apr 5, 2009 11:57:25 GMT

Thanks for the advice. I think I'll leave it alone for now then.

It was a bit of a gamble really as it's reckoned not to be fully hardy but it has been through two winters now and shows no sign of frost damage after last winter's severe frosts. On the other hand it is sheltered on one side by a 4ft fence and at night there is a car (on the drive) between it and the northerly winds so perhaps that's what's made the difference. i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/wink.gif

This year I will have to remember to take some photos when it is flowering.

You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.
Abraham Lincoln, (attributed)
16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

Jasmine
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When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 5, 2009 17:30:14 GMT

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Post by Jasmine on Apr 5, 2009 17:30:14 GMT

Spru - In the 'What to do now' section of this months GW it says:
There are several other conservatory plants you can prune at this time of the year, including acalypha, codiaeum, brugmansia, bottlebrush and poinsettia. Check a good pruning guide for details.
Don't know if it makes a difference that yours is outside?

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Spruance
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When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 5, 2009 19:27:04 GMT

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Post by Spruance on Apr 5, 2009 19:27:04 GMT

Thanks Jasmine.

I'm not sure if it makes a difference. There are various different varieties of Callistemon so perhaps that's an indoor variety.

I think I can put up with the straggly look for a few more months. i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/wink.gif

You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.
Abraham Lincoln, (attributed)
16th president of US (1809 - 1865)

Auricula Garden Sage I'd rather be quaffing vino surrounded by fragrant blooms - but mostly I'm weeding!! Posts: 36,400	When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 6, 2009 13:09:59 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Auricula on Apr 6, 2009 13:09:59 GMT Mine's looking a bit straggly - this is its 3rd year. I'll leave it for a bit as I have so much else to do ;D
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Amo Head Gardener You can take me out of my garden but you can't take my garden out of me. Posts: 3,940	When should I prune my Bottlebrush (Callistemon)? Apr 6, 2009 18:18:23 GMT Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Member Give Gift Back to Top Post by Amo on Apr 6, 2009 18:18:23 GMT My ancient callistemon which I moved last year is also looking a bit winter worn. Scratch test shows green though so I'm leaving it until I see new life.