STIFF BOTTLEBRUSH Callistemon rigidus Seeds

Callistemon rigidus, commonly called stiff bottlebrush or erect bottlebrush

Grows between 1 m and 3 m high by 2 m wide

Widespread on the coast, ranges and extends into the western slopes, but is found mainly in the Sydney district

Leaves are narrow and linear to 7 cm long, and only 4 mm wide and very rigid

Inflorescences are spikes to 10 cm long and to 6 cm diameter, appearing in summer

Very hardy and will withstand poorly drained situations

Flowers are attractive to birds and insects

Bush food: bottlebrush flowers have a sweet nectar which can either be consumed by sucking on the flowers or by soaking the flowers in water to make a sweet drink

Germination: sow direct on the surface, germination 1 4 weeks