Family: Myrtaceae
Common Name: Net Bush, One-sided Bottlebrush

Related to Callistemon, the 25 species are found mainly in the south-west area of Western Australia. Usually called by their common name, one-sided bottlebrush, because their flowers are borne on only one side of the stem, they are widely used as specimens or hedges. They have soft, pine-like foliage and flowers in various shades of red or cream in spring and summer.

Species

G. gilesii, Giles net bush, is a good choice as a hedge plant and will tolerate exposed positions. It has stiff, pointed leaves and bright crimson flowers, and grows to 2 m (6 ft).

C. quadrifidus, crimson cluster net bush, is the most widely grown species. It has slender stems, deep green foliage and feathery bundles of rich crimson stamens. It grows 2-3 m (6-10 ft).

C. sanguineus, blood red net bush, has silky foliage and red tassel-like flowers. Short-branching, it grows to 2.5 m (8 ft).

C. villosus, woolly net bush, is possibly the most attractive of the species, with masses of showy, silvery, pine-like leaves and deep, rich red flowers. It grows to 2 m (6 ft).

Cultivation

In areas prone to hard frosts, grow in a light, airy, cool greenhouse or conservatory in pots of soil-based potting compost. Outdoors, Calothamnus is a very drought-resistant genus. Although tolerant of some frost, it needs protection from heavy frosts. It does best in warm to hot conditions. Prune after flowering, otherwise it will become rather untidy and leggy.

Climate

Zone 9.