Callistemon advice wanted

[Chris Hogg]

I have a callistemon citrinus splendens that's been in a tub for
several years, and very much neglected. As a result it's become leggy,
woody, with a little bit of green growth on the branch tips and only
one or two 'brushes'. I intend to plant it out this autumn, but it
needs rejuvenating. Apart from feeding it and scouring the root-ball
to encourage new roots to grow out into the surrounding soil (I'm
assuming it's badly pot-bound), can I prune it fairly hard to get it
to put out new growth, or will that sound its death knell?

[Nick Maclaren]

Post by Chris Hogg
I have a callistemon citrinus splendens that's been in a tub for
several years, and very much neglected. As a result it's become leggy,
woody, with a little bit of green growth on the branch tips and only
one or two 'brushes'. I intend to plant it out this autumn, but it
needs rejuvenating. Apart from feeding it and scouring the root-ball
to encourage new roots to grow out into the surrounding soil (I'm
assuming it's badly pot-bound), can I prune it fairly hard to get it
to put out new growth, or will that sound its death knell?

From all I have heard, the latter.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

[Jeff Layman]

Post by Nick Maclaren

Post by Chris Hogg
I have a callistemon citrinus splendens that's been in a tub for
several years, and very much neglected. As a result it's become leggy,
woody, with a little bit of green growth on the branch tips and only
one or two 'brushes'. I intend to plant it out this autumn, but it
needs rejuvenating. Apart from feeding it and scouring the root-ball
to encourage new roots to grow out into the surrounding soil (I'm
assuming it's badly pot-bound), can I prune it fairly hard to get it
to put out new growth, or will that sound its death knell?

From all I have heard, the latter.

Where did you get that from? Callistemons can be lightly pruned if
already a good shape, but can be hacked back to almost ground level if a
poor shape. This is from the Australian National Botanic Gardens
<https://www.anbg.gov.au/callistemon/>:
Pruning:
"... on occasions older tired Callistemon may regenerate from basal
pruning (all branches removed at ground level - the equivalent of a
bushfire if you like). We have done this with some success at the
Botanic Gardens, particularly with older plants and the result for
survivors has been a tremendous & vigorous response. Additional
fertiliser at the time, assists this process."

From the Australian Plants Society (Victoria)
<https://apsvic.org.au/pruning-australian-native-plants/>:
"Rejuvenation of old plants

Severe pruning rejuvenates and extends the life of many types of plants
such as callistemons, grevilleas and others with a short life span.

Plants with a lignotuber should be pruned to near ground level just
above the lignotuber. Lignotuber is a woody swelling at or below ground
level containing buds from which new growth forms if the top of the
plant is cut or burnt."

From the Australian Native Plants Society
<http://anpsa.org.au/design/gdnews26.html>:
"Some genera such as callistemons and melaleucas can tolerate severe
pruning back into old wood."
(also see photo about halfway down that page)

Etc, etc.

Chris should take a couple of cuttings for rooting as an insurance
policy, but otherwise get out the loppers!

[David]

Post by Jeff Layman

Post by Nick Maclaren

Post by Chris Hogg
I have a callistemon citrinus splendens that's been in a tub for
several years, and very much neglected. As a result it's become leggy,
woody, with a little bit of green growth on the branch tips and only
one or two 'brushes'. I intend to plant it out this autumn, but it
needs rejuvenating. Apart from feeding it and scouring the root-ball
to encourage new roots to grow out into the surrounding soil (I'm
assuming it's badly pot-bound), can I prune it fairly hard to get it
to put out new growth, or will that sound its death knell?

From all I have heard, the latter.

Where did you get that from? Callistemons can be lightly pruned if
already a good shape, but can be hacked back to almost ground level if a
poor shape. This is from the Australian National Botanic Gardens
"... on occasions older tired Callistemon may regenerate from basal
pruning (all branches removed at ground level - the equivalent of a
bushfire if you like). We have done this with some success at the
Botanic Gardens, particularly with older plants and the result for
survivors has been a tremendous & vigorous response. Additional
fertiliser at the time, assists this process."
From the Australian Plants Society (Victoria)
<https://apsvic.org.au/pruning-australian-native-plants/>: "Rejuvenation
of old plants
Severe pruning rejuvenates and extends the life of many types of plants
such as callistemons, grevilleas and others with a short life span.
Plants with a lignotuber should be pruned to near ground level just
above the lignotuber. Lignotuber is a woody swelling at or below ground
level containing buds from which new growth forms if the top of the
plant is cut or burnt."
From the Australian Native Plants Society
"Some genera such as callistemons and melaleucas can tolerate severe
pruning back into old wood."
(also see photo about halfway down that page)
Etc, etc.
Chris should take a couple of cuttings for rooting as an insurance
policy, but otherwise get out the loppers!

This reads to be a way of regenerating top growth if the plant is
established below ground.

I'm not 100% sure this works if the roots are a bit knackered.

I would be tempted to sort out the root ball and then prune back once the
plant was growing strongly again.

Cheers


Dave R

[Jeff Layman]

Post by David

Post by Jeff Layman

Post by Nick Maclaren

Post by Chris Hogg
I have a callistemon citrinus splendens that's been in a tub for
several years, and very much neglected. As a result it's become leggy,
woody, with a little bit of green growth on the branch tips and only
one or two 'brushes'. I intend to plant it out this autumn, but it
needs rejuvenating. Apart from feeding it and scouring the root-ball
to encourage new roots to grow out into the surrounding soil (I'm
assuming it's badly pot-bound), can I prune it fairly hard to get it
to put out new growth, or will that sound its death knell?

From all I have heard, the latter.

Where did you get that from? Callistemons can be lightly pruned if
already a good shape, but can be hacked back to almost ground level if a
poor shape. This is from the Australian National Botanic Gardens
"... on occasions older tired Callistemon may regenerate from basal
pruning (all branches removed at ground level - the equivalent of a
bushfire if you like). We have done this with some success at the
Botanic Gardens, particularly with older plants and the result for
survivors has been a tremendous & vigorous response. Additional
fertiliser at the time, assists this process."
From the Australian Plants Society (Victoria)
<https://apsvic.org.au/pruning-australian-native-plants/>: "Rejuvenation
of old plants
Severe pruning rejuvenates and extends the life of many types of plants
such as callistemons, grevilleas and others with a short life span.
Plants with a lignotuber should be pruned to near ground level just
above the lignotuber. Lignotuber is a woody swelling at or below ground
level containing buds from which new growth forms if the top of the
plant is cut or burnt."
From the Australian Native Plants Society
"Some genera such as callistemons and melaleucas can tolerate severe
pruning back into old wood."
(also see photo about halfway down that page)
Etc, etc.
Chris should take a couple of cuttings for rooting as an insurance
policy, but otherwise get out the loppers!

This reads to be a way of regenerating top growth if the plant is
established below ground.
I'm not 100% sure this works if the roots are a bit knackered.
I would be tempted to sort out the root ball and then prune back once the
plant was growing strongly again.

Well, it won't do any harm to examine the roots, but if they are
knackered, and the top growth is knackered, then perhaps the plant is a
bit beyond help and maybe a replacement is called for (unless there is a
reason that Chris wants to keep that plant). If so, then I would agree
with you - put it in the ground first, then after it has started to show
good signs of growth cut it back. Callistemons really need full sun and
will take just about any heat thrown at them. With too much shade they
can tend to get a bit leggy.

[Nick Maclaren]

Post by Jeff Layman
Where did you get that from? Callistemons can be lightly pruned if
already a good shape, but can be hacked back to almost ground level if a
poor shape. This is from the Australian National Botanic Gardens
"... on occasions older tired Callistemon may regenerate from basal
pruning (all branches removed at ground level - the equivalent of a
bushfire if you like). We have done this with some success at the
Botanic Gardens, particularly with older plants and the result for
survivors has been a tremendous & vigorous response. Additional
fertiliser at the time, assists this process."

After 20 years, damned if I can remember! But that quote of yours
does indicate that it is a "kill or cure" solution. Anyway, thanks
for the education.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

[Chris Hogg]

Thanks for the advice. I'll get the loppers out, but I'll not loosen
the roots at the same time, to be on the safe side. It's not going to
be planted out until the autumn, which should give it plenty of time
to get over the shock of being hard-pruned.

OOI, when I feed it, should I use a low-phosphorus fertiliser, as
demanded by many Australian and South African shrubs, or doesn't it
matter. The advice on the 'net is inconsistent. This site
https://www.greenandvibrant.com/bottlebrush says "This plant will
benefit from a monthly feeding during warmer months of a fertilizer
high in phosphorus", while this one
https://www.aboutthegarden.com.au/how-to-grow-bottlebrush-callistemon-sp/
says "To encourage flowering, use only a low phosphorus fertiliser
that is specifically designed for Australian natives".

And this 'Bottlebrush Feed', unavailable on Amazon, has an N-P-K
11.3-4.4-6.7, so lowish in P.

I have Sulphate of Ammonia, Phostrogen, dried blood and granular
Growmore.

Thoughts, anyone?

[Jeff Layman]

Post by Chris Hogg
Thanks for the advice. I'll get the loppers out, but I'll not loosen
the roots at the same time, to be on the safe side. It's not going to
be planted out until the autumn, which should give it plenty of time
to get over the shock of being hard-pruned.
OOI, when I feed it, should I use a low-phosphorus fertiliser, as
demanded by many Australian and South African shrubs, or doesn't it
matter. The advice on the 'net is inconsistent. This site
https://www.greenandvibrant.com/bottlebrush says "This plant will
benefit from a monthly feeding during warmer months of a fertilizer
high in phosphorus", while this one
https://www.aboutthegarden.com.au/how-to-grow-bottlebrush-callistemon-sp/
says "To encourage flowering, use only a low phosphorus fertiliser
that is specifically designed for Australian natives".
And this 'Bottlebrush Feed', unavailable on Amazon, has an N-P-K
11.3-4.4-6.7, so lowish in P.
I have Sulphate of Ammonia, Phostrogen, dried blood and granular
Growmore.
Thoughts, anyone?

I grow lots of Australian plants, including quite a lot of Proteaceae.
The latter are the only ones I wouldn't feed with a normal-level
phosphorus content fertiliser. In fact, under normal circumstances, they
don't need any fertilisation. Some are better than others dealing with
phosphorus in soil - some Banksias are quite happy, while others go
chlorotic pretty quickly. As to Callistemons, I wouldn't worry about
what fertiliser you use. They couldn't care less (they don't have
proteoid roots), so Growmore, Tomorite, Seaweed, etc are all OK. But if
you put them in decent compost or soil I wouldn't waste money on a
fertiliser anyway. All they need is sun, and lots of it.

[David Hill]

Post by Chris Hogg
Thanks for the advice. I'll get the loppers out, but I'll not loosen
the roots at the same time, to be on the safe side. It's not going to
be planted out until the autumn, which should give it plenty of time
to get over the shock of being hard-pruned.
OOI, when I feed it, should I use a low-phosphorus fertiliser, as
demanded by many Australian and South African shrubs, or doesn't it
matter. The advice on the 'net is inconsistent. This site
https://www.greenandvibrant.com/bottlebrush says "This plant will
benefit from a monthly feeding during warmer months of a fertilizer
high in phosphorus", while this one
https://www.aboutthegarden.com.au/how-to-grow-bottlebrush-callistemon-sp/
says "To encourage flowering, use only a low phosphorus fertiliser
that is specifically designed for Australian natives".
And this 'Bottlebrush Feed', unavailable on Amazon, has an N-P-K
11.3-4.4-6.7, so lowish in P.
I have Sulphate of Ammonia, Phostrogen, dried blood and granular
Growmore.
Thoughts, anyone?

+
You realy don't like that plant do you?
Cutting it hard back now and planting out in the wutume,
I'd leave ant pruning fora yeare and would get it into the ground ASAP
so it has a chance to get a good root formation before it has to face
the winter. Growth can harden off as the weather cools off

[Chris Hogg]

On Sun, 24 May 2020 20:14:55 +0100, David Hill

Post by David Hill

Post by Chris Hogg
Thanks for the advice. I'll get the loppers out, but I'll not loosen
the roots at the same time, to be on the safe side. It's not going to
be planted out until the autumn, which should give it plenty of time
to get over the shock of being hard-pruned.
OOI, when I feed it, should I use a low-phosphorus fertiliser, as
demanded by many Australian and South African shrubs, or doesn't it
matter. The advice on the 'net is inconsistent. This site
https://www.greenandvibrant.com/bottlebrush says "This plant will
benefit from a monthly feeding during warmer months of a fertilizer
high in phosphorus", while this one
https://www.aboutthegarden.com.au/how-to-grow-bottlebrush-callistemon-sp/
says "To encourage flowering, use only a low phosphorus fertiliser
that is specifically designed for Australian natives".
And this 'Bottlebrush Feed', unavailable on Amazon, has an N-P-K
11.3-4.4-6.7, so lowish in P.
I have Sulphate of Ammonia, Phostrogen, dried blood and granular
Growmore.
Thoughts, anyone?

+
You realy don't like that plant do you?
Cutting it hard back now and planting out in the wutume,
I'd leave ant pruning fora yeare and would get it into the ground ASAP
so it has a chance to get a good root formation before it has to face
the winter. Growth can harden off as the weather cools off

ATM I'm re-doing the whole back garden, which has been neglected for a
good few years and become generally overgrown. I've spent most of the
lock-down so far digging it over and extracting buckets-full of
bindweed roots. It's now lying fallow while any remaining bindweed
makes itself known and can be dealt with. A slow process but I am
winning. I imagine that after a few weeks I'll have got rid of all of
it. But by then we'll be well into summer, which I can't believe is a
good time to be planting anything, and I haven't decided where I want
to put it yet. So either I leave it in its tub and prune it now, or I
don't do anything to it now, plant it in the autumn, and prune it next
year. If I prune it now and feed it, it will at least have made some
new growth by the autumn.

[Andy Burns]

Post by Chris Hogg
I have a callistemon citrinus splendens that's been in a tub for
several years, and very much neglected.

Forgot what variety mine is, smells eucalyptusy rather than lemony
though, in the largest tub I have, first couple of years I didn't do
much to it, it got quite straggly, I pruned the wayward branches and
trained it a bit with some wire to improve the shape, but there's not
much scope to bend the branches before they snap.

Last couple of years I've nipped out all the growing tips just after
it's done flowering, this makes it branch out very quickly and fill-in
the gaps, I think it got confused and flowered twice one year, but it's
not in bad shape (for a plant looked after by me!)

[Andy Burns]

Post by Chris Hogg
I have a callistemon citrinus splendens that's been in a tub for
several years, and very much neglected. As a result it's become leggy,
woody, with a little bit of green growth on the branch tips and only
one or two 'brushes'

Mine's more or less finished flowering (a few late brushes still to
flower) so I've dead-headed it, so the fruit/seed things don't turn into
"peppercorns" hopefully it'll bush-out again, it is more empty in the
centre than I thought.