CALLISTEMON RIGIDUS

Planting Conditions and Ideal Location

• Light Requirements: Prefers full sun for maximum flowering and compact growth. Will tolerate light shade but with fewer blooms.

• Soil Preferences: Thrives in well-drained soils, including sandy or loamy types; avoid heavy, waterlogged clay.

• pH Range: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0).

• Moisture Needs: Appreciates regular moisture when young but is drought-tolerant once established.

• Planting Time: Best planted in spring after the last frost or in early autumn while the soil is still warm.

• Spacing: Allow 2–3 metres between plants to give room for mature spread and airflow.

• Positioning Tips: Ideal as a feature shrub, screening plant, or part of a mixed border. Suited to coastal gardens due to salt and wind tolerance.

• Climate Suitability: Hardy in mild areas; in colder climates, plant in a sheltered position to protect from frost.

Routine Care, Feeding, and Seasonal Maintenance

• Watering:

  • Water regularly during the first year to help roots establish.

  • Once mature, water deeply only during prolonged dry periods.

• Feeding: Apply a low-phosphorus fertilizer in spring and again after flowering to encourage healthy growth and repeat blooming.

• Pruning:

  • Lightly prune after flowering to maintain shape and promote denser foliage.

  • Remove dead or damaged wood in late winter or early spring.

  • Avoid heavy cutting into old wood as regrowth can be slow.

• Mulching: Apply a 5 cm mulch of bark or compost in spring to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots—keep mulch away from the base of stems.

• Pest and Disease Resistance: Generally pest-free. Occasional aphid or scale infestations can be treated with insecticidal soap.

• Winter Care: In areas prone to frost, protect young plants with horticultural fleece during severe cold snaps.

• Propagation: Can be grown from semi-ripe cuttings in summer or seed, though cuttings produce faster results.

Ornamental Features, Seasonal Interest, and Garden Uses

• Foliage: Narrow, stiff, grey-green leaves with a slightly aromatic scent, giving the shrub its common name “Stiff Bottlebrush.”

• Flowers: Bright crimson-red cylindrical flower spikes appear from late spring to early summer, with occasional repeat blooms in autumn in mild regions.

• Wildlife Benefits: Flowers are rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators; also visited by nectar-feeding birds.

• Fragrance: Light, fresh scent from foliage when brushed or crushed.

• Ornamental Value: Provides a tropical, architectural look and a striking burst of colour during the flowering season.

• Garden Design Uses:

  • Stunning specimen shrub in sunny lawns or borders.

  • Works well as evergreen screening or hedging in coastal and urban gardens.

  • Attractive in Mediterranean-style planting schemes alongside lavender, rosemary, and ornamental grasses.

• Growth and Size: Evergreen shrub typically reaching 2–4 metres tall with a spread of 1.5–3 metres. Can be kept smaller with regular pruning.

• Longevity: Long-lived when planted in the right conditions and maintained with light annual pruning.

• Companion Planting: Pairs well with drought-tolerant species such as grevillea, leptospermum, and cordyline for year-round interest.

• Size
  25-30

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

Click here for more information about our shipping conditions.

You can pay your online order either by credit card or via Paypal.
If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.