Callistemon viminalis Inferno - Bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis Inferno is a variety of Bottlebrush tree that is interesting for its abundant flowering of intense red, more or less perpetual, its beautifully coloured young leaves and its moderate development, well adapted to container cultivation and small gardens. This bush, with undeniable ornamental qualities, is also quite adaptable in cultivation. It is a prized plant for landscaping in mild climates and coastal areas. It can be planted in borders or as a solitary specimen in a small garden. It is also a good conservatory plant in colder climates.

Callistemon Inferno is a recent horticultural creation. It is derived, among other things, from the species Callistemon viminalis, also known as Weeping Bottlebrush, a large bush from the family Myrtaceae native to southeastern Australia, specifically the states of New South Wales and Queensland. In nature, this small tree with a weeping habit is frequently found along seasonal watercourses.

Callistemon Inferno ('Yanferno') is a beautiful evergreen bush with brittle wood, forming a crown that is both dense and rather upright. When not pruned, it reaches a height of about 2 metres (6 feet 7 inches) with a spread of 1.50 metres (4 feet 11 inches). Its growth rate is moderate. Its foliage, narrowly elliptical, is divided into leaflets ranging from 2 to 8cm (0.8 to 3.1in) long, with a beautiful bright green colour. In spring, and sometimes again in autumn, orange-tinted young shoots emerge at the tips of the branches, which are very decorative. The main flowering occurs in May-June. The flowers are composed of very long red stamens, gathered in cylindrical spikes at the ends of the flexible young branches. These upright inflorescences are about 5cm (2in) wide and 7 to 10cm (2.8 to 3.9in) long. The terminal bud repeatedly develops new leaves, then new buds, while the old inflorescence produces small cup-shaped fruits. The flowering can occur multiple times during the season in cool soil and warm climate, especially in late summer. Its grey-brown bark is fissured and decorative. It is also a honey and nectar-bearing plant that attracts many pollinating insects to the garden.

Hardy to about -7°C, Callistemon Inferno tolerates drought fairly well once established, but appreciates water in dry climates. In a greenhouse or conservatory, it forms an extremely decorative duo with a citrus tree or a Mimosa. In mild climates, especially on the Mediterranean coast or the sunny Atlantic coast of our country, it can be used as a solitary plant - it deserves it - as an informal hedge or at the back of a border. It can also be associated with evergreen Ceanothus ('Italian Skies', 'Concha', 'Puget Blue', 'Skylark'...), a spring-flowering broom, or Oleanders. Its good tolerance to salt allows for coastal exposure, facing wind and sea spray.