Callistemon viminalis 'Pink Alma'

Most varieties of Callistemon flower in late Spring and Summer

Plant callistemon in free-draining soil, in a sunny position. If you live in an area where frosts occur, it is best to plant the shrub in a pot, so that it can be moved to somewhere frost-free in Winter, or grow in a conservatory.

Fill a pot, seed tray, or modular tray, with proprietary seed-sowing compost (John Innes Seed for example), or use 50% multi-purpose compost mixed with 50% perlite or coarse grit. Firm the compost with your fingers, or with a pre-cut firming board then water well, but allowing any excess to drain. Sow the seeds thinly, one or two per module (depending on the size of the modules).Cover seeds with sieved compost or vermiculite. Label, with variety and date sown Prevent pots from drying out by covering with an inflated polythene bag secured with an elastic band, or with a suitable cloche, or sheet of plastic or glass

Semi hard wood cuttings are taken from the current years growth from late summer to mid autumn. The bottom of the cuttings is hard and soft on the top. With a sharp knife take a cutting of about 14cms, remove lowest leaves, dip end into rooting hormone, and place round the edge of a pot filled with a suitable compost, water well. They must remain moist until rooted. Place under glass but in semi shade.