There are several types of tube cleaners, but none like the protagonist of this article. Yes, it has leaves and flowers similar to the rest, but its bearing and size is very different. Its scientific name is Callistemon femaleand it is known as crying callistemon, something that gives us clues about what it is like.
Its maintenance is very simplealthough their water needs are a bit high as they live on riverbanks.
Origin and characteristics
It is an evergreen shrub or tree that reaches a height between 4 and 10 meters with one or more thick bark trunks. The crown is irregular, composed of hanging branches from which alternate, linear leaves of 2,5 to 13,8cm by 0,3-2,7cm sprout, green in color. The flowers are grouped in spikes 4 to 10 cm long and 3 to 6 cm in diameter that appear in spring and summer.
It is native to Australia, specifically New South Wales and Queensland, frequently growing near rivers and streams.
What are their cares?
If you want to have a copy of Callistemon femaleI recommend you take care of it as follows:
- Location: it must be outside, in full sun. It does not have invasive roots, but for it to develop well it is important that it be planted at a minimum distance of 4-5 meters from walls and large plants.
- Earth:
- Pot: a mixture of mulch and perlite will get it right.
- Garden: grows in all types of floors, preferring those that have good drainage.
- Irrigation: it must be frequent, especially in summer. Four or even five waterings a week during the hottest and driest season, and one to three a week the rest may be enough.
- Subscriber: in spring and summer you have to contribute once a month a little something type of organic compost, be it guano, manure, or etc.
- Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
- Rusticity: very adaptable. It resists down to -7ºC and can live in climates without frost.
What did you think of this little tree?