Bottlebrush Trees

[gfmucci]

Here is some information about a good tree for this area, Weeping Bottlebrush Tree.

"Callistemon viminalis, bottle-brush. Exceptional small tree, 20–30' high and 15' spread, freely branching small evergreen. Pendulous branches filled with magnificent red flowers during mid-spring and summer. Needs staking first 2–3 years.* (Underlining added for emphasis). From Australia. With excessive water, trees can become chlorotic. Sun. 20o F."

Source:* jruiz@cvwd.org
For all other inquiries or comments please contact:
Coachella Valley Water District
P.O. Box 1058
Coachella, CA
(760) 398-2651
(760) 398-3711 (FAX)

They are great foundation or specimen plantings.* They need little water after they are established.* As you can see from the above source, staking is required during the first couple of years.* Many experts will advise the removal of the nursery-supplied support stakes (the bamboo pole shown in the first photo, below) when planted and to replace these with the typically recommended two- or three-stake support system located away from the root ball loosly supporting the tree (allowing some sway, but no permanant "lean"). * These trees, when young, have a willowy trunk that needs support for a period of time.

This is what they are like from the nursery, the typical size when planting.* This is NOT me in the photo :)...
http://www.royalcrestnurseries.com/catalog/images/WEEPING%20BOTTLE%20BRUSH%20STD%2015G.JPG

After a couple of years...
http://www.fuf.net/images/tree_plantings/trees/021.jpg

And here are their flowers in spring and early summer...
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/448791944_54885f95b3.jpg?v=0

[parksummit]

Hey Jerry---I was always taught that bottlebrush trees were something you made to simulate pine trees on a model railroad, not a real tree. Learn something new every day. Glad to see you got moved in-have you airconditioned the garage for your new layout yet?

[redwitch]

One warning about bottlebush trees -- bees and wasps love them. If you're allergic to bees, I would not recommend having one -- at least not close to a door or window. Had one in California. Loved it. The second trip to the hospital convinced me it wasn't that pretty anyway and had to go.

[gfmucci]

One warning about bottlebush trees -- bees and wasps love them.* If you're allergic to bees, I would not recommend having one -- at least not close to a door or window.* Had one in California.* Loved it.* The second trip to the hospital convinced me it wasn't that pretty anyway and had to go.
I'm sorry about your allergy.* Wasp or bee bites or no fun, allergy or no allergy.* I had a Bottlebrush tree in South Florida for 18 years.* Never bitten by a bee there and I always did my own yard maintenance.* And the wasps seem to prefer the areas around our eves and downspouts; that would be (no pun intended) a more significant problem around here.* I've already experienced several wasps BBT (before Bottlebrush Trees) here.* I will keep a can of wasp spray handy...the kind with a 15 foot long narrow stream -* Black Flag or Raid.

They also attract butterflies which is nice.* Speaking of butterflies.* I've never seen a better butterfly attractor than the Passion Vine.* Amazing quantity of butterflies along a 50' fence covered with Passion Vines I once had.


Hey Jerry---I was always taught that bottlebrush trees were something you made to simulate pine trees on a model railroad, not a real tree. Learn something new every day. Glad to see you got moved in-have you airconditioned the garage for your new layout yet?

If the trees become a problem (which obviously they have become already :o ) then I will have hundreds of little bottle brush trees all over my train layout.* Yes.* The garage is AC'd.* I love it :) :) :)

[JohnN]

that's quite a nice tree, I like it. Thanks for the info

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi, I am just saying "Hello" so that I get all new messages on this thread.

HB

[samhass]

I agree with Red. I got stung while touching one of the flowers. I did not see the wasp under the flower. He saw me...and he bit me..and it hurt like :cus:.





One warning about bottlebush trees -- bees and wasps love them. If you're allergic to bees, I would not recommend having one -- at least not close to a door or window. Had one in California. Loved it. The second trip to the hospital convinced me it wasn't that pretty anyway and had to go.