An Australian native shrub with shiny green leaves that emerge in shades of pink to complement the striking, bright pink bottle brush flowers.
In Spring, hot pink bottle brush flowers make a stunning show on the terminal shoots and branches of Callistemon 'Hot Pink'P and attract honey-eating birds, bees and other pollinators in large number during the flowering season. New foliage is a pale pink shade that deepens to a shiny green when mature. Growing to approximately 1m in height and width with straight branch stems, 'Hot Pink'P is tidy, low maintenance and easy to care for.
Callistemon 'Hot Pink'P has been granted the status of Plant Breeders Rights (PBR) as indicated by the P symbol.
With its a compact form and small growth habit, 'Hot Pink'P holds its place equally well in both the smaller sunny yards and in larger established landscapes where a reliable splash of colour in spring is needed. As for most compact Callistemons, planting in a large feature pot is possible, but it will need more attention than those established in the garden.
The straight branches can be used as a wonderful effect in floral arrangements, with or without blooms. Ensure to position 'Hot Pink'P at least two metres from paths, pipes and other infrastructure, as Callistemons tend to have an invasive root system.
When planting in the ground, 'Hot Pink'P benefits from native fertiliser dug into the soil and must be well watered in at planting. As for all shrubs, 'Hot Pink'P keep moist for several months until they have rooted well into the garden soil and its root system has been established. Mulch with your preferred material to help conserve moisture and to keep the soil cooler around the surface feeder roots. If planting in a pot, use premium native potting mix and always ensure that the mix is moist. In most fertile soils little, supplementary fertiliser will be needed although in early life an occasional dressing of any well-balanced fertiliser is helpful.
Prune to shape and size, if needed, after the major flowering period is spring has passed.
Callistemon 'Hot Pink'P was selected from a cross of Callistemon citrinus Splendens (formerly Endeavour) and Callistemon pallidus by a South African breeder whose life work is spent with the native flora of South Africa and Australia. In 'Hot Pink'P we recognise the dwarf habit of Callistemon pallidus and the upright form of Callistemon Splendens. Plants were imported and held for two years in government quarantine before clearing because of the relationship with our native flora.
Wear gloves & wash hands after gardening.
