I'm in central SC, and today I bought a Texas Scarlet BB. I also bought 2 Callistemon Laevis BB's. I've been searching for Callistemon rigidus - Clemson hardy, but I can't find anywhere. I'm especially interested in any BB (except Woodlander's red) that survived your brutal winter. Thanks!
Cold hardy Texas bottlebrush
I had five species (Scarlet, laevis and rigidus and weeping) outside for more than 12 years...all were mature 10' trees or shrubs. The only survivor is the lemonii and it has had to be cut to within 12" of the ground...I hope others had better experience...soooo glad I took copious cuttings last fall...who would have known?
Thanks so much for the feedback, txaggiegal. Since moving down here 6 years ago, I've lost many bottlebrushes to cold and ground voles. Clemson hardy is supposed to be cold hardy to zone 7a. The mother tree is located in Clemson, SC, and survived temps below zero back in the 80's. There's so much conflicting info out there concerning BB cold hardiness! Woodlander's Red is very cold hardy (at least 7a), but not as showy as most other BB cultivars. In addition to the Texas Scarlet, I bought 2 small BB's yesterday that, based upon the new growth color, appear to be Callistemon rigidus x Clemson - not laevis. Sorry about your losses, and I hope the lemonii comes back like gangbusters this growing season. Thanks again.
This message was edited Apr 10, 2011 3:48 PM
There is a company in AZ that specializes in Australian plants and upon their recommendations, I am ordering replacements...seems there is a native that is more cold-hardy...and they even have a lavender one!...good luck...
Good for you! I may d-mail you next year this time for an update on your new BB cultivars. Let's hope next winter is kinder. BB's hate ice almost as much as I do.