Cameo Pink Bottlebrush

Cameo Pink Bottlebrush (Callistemon salignus 'Cameo Pink') is a big, fast growing native shrub that reaches 2m to 4m tall and wide. In spring it covers itself in deep pink bottlebrush flowers tipped in gold, and it sometimes flowers again in autumn. It makes a tall informal screen and a nectar feast for honeyeaters, and it suits frost free and lightly frosted gardens best.

Why you'll love it

• Deep pink brushes tipped in gold. The spring flowers sparkle against the foliage, and some plants flower again in autumn.
• Food for wildlife. The nectar rich flowers draw honeyeaters and other nectar feeding birds, as well as bees.
• A fast screen. In frost free garden situations it grows quickly, and its height and width give effective screening.
• Tough in wet or dry. Established plants tolerate drought and waterlogging, which suits low spots and dry spells alike.
• Australian native. It belongs in native and coastal plantings and supports local wildlife.

Where it works best

Tall informal privacy hedges. Plant 2m apart in a single row. At that spacing the shrubs merge into a tall, flowering screen, and an after flowering trim keeps it in bounds.

Windbreaks. A row of Cameo Pink slows wind across a paddock, a property boundary or an exposed side of the house, and feeds birds at the same time.

Native and coastal gardens. It brings year round foliage and spring colour to coastal landscapes and wildlife gardens.

Growing Cameo Pink Bottlebrush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. It is not frost hardy, although it may come through a light overnight frost, so it suits frost free subtropical and warm temperate gardens best. In colder districts, plant it in the most sheltered position you have or choose a hardier bottlebrush.

Soil. Well drained soil gives the best growth, with some watering during dry periods. Once established, it tolerates drought and waterlogging.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. Feed in spring with a native low phosphorus fertiliser.

Pruning. It can be left unpruned or trimmed as required to tidy the growth or reduce its size. Prune after flowering to encourage new growth and improve the next flowering period.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cameo Pink Bottlebrush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the value choice for a long hedge or windbreak, while the potted packs give a taller, fuller plant to start. Plant out soon after delivery, mulch well and water regularly through the first summer.

The tube comes direct from our grower, who does not always have it. A sold out tube simply means none is ready today, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the callistemon range
• Hedging and screening plants
• More Australian native plants
• All about callistemon, the bottlebrush

Common questions

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

About 2m apart in a single row. Because each plant grows 2m to 4m wide, they merge into a continuous screen within a few seasons.

Is it frost hardy?

Not reliably. It is not frost hardy, although it may come through a light overnight frost. In colder gardens, choose a sheltered position or a hardier bottlebrush.

Can I keep it smaller?

Yes. Trim after flowering to tidy the growth or reduce the size. Regular light trimming also encourages new growth and a better flowering next time.