Family: Myrtaceae

Mostly found in heathlands in temperate areas of Australia, this genus of around 24 species of attractive, evergreen shrubs has brush-like flow­ers, mistakenly called bottlebrushes, a name which refers to Callistemon species. The flowers on all species are fluffy and may be pink, red, yellow or white. The small leaves are delight-fully aromatic. Kunzeas are grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory in cool climates and they adapt well to pot culture. The plants can he moved outdoors for summer and are ideal for shrub borders in warm climates.

Species

K. affinis, from Western Australia, grows to 2 m (6 ft), with terminal clusters of beautiful, bright pink flowers, with small, greenish anthers.

K. ambigua, from eastern Australia, has stiff foliage and white, or occa­sionally pink, flowers with a honey fragrance. It grows well coastally, reaching up to 3 m (10 ft) high.

K. baxteri, crimson kunzea, is a superb, ornamental shrub, to 3 m (10 ft) high, with vivid crimson flowers almost year round. In cultivation, this plant may not bloom for sev­eral years.

K. capitata is an adaptable plant, to 1 m (3 ft), with fine, woolly foliage and mauve-pink to purple, terminal flowers.

K. parvifolia, from south-eastern Australia, produces masses of pink-lilac, fluffy balls in late spring or early summer.

K. recurva, from Western Australia, has fine foliage and pink flowers from spring to early summer. Var. montana has fine foliage and yellow, spring flowers.

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in pots of acid, sandy, soil-based potting compost. Give maximum light and airy conditions. Water normally in the growing period, but keep compost only slightly moist in winter. In the garden, in favourable climates, grow in full sun, in neutral to acid, well-drained, sandy soil. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape. Propagate from seed sown in spring (do not cover with compost), or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, both with basal warmth.

Climate

Zone 10, but may be worth trying in warmest parts of zone 9.