It doesn't make much of a difference whether the cylinder brush grows in a bucket or is outdoors - it definitely needs a cut. Regular pruning prevents bare leaves, maintains a compact growth, stimulates the branching of the shoots and ensures flowering every year.

A professional pruning promotes the bloom growth of the cylinder brush

Cut back after flowering

The most important pruning is done right after flowering. Here the branches are cut back slightly:

  • promotes the growth of new flowers
  • promotes compact growth and good branching
  • cut little into the old wood
  • Side effect: reblooming in late summer
  • cut below the withered inflorescences
  • remove all faded shoot ends

Don't wait until spring to make this cut! Then you would remove the flower buds and the Callistemon will not flower in the same year.

It pays to thin regularly

A regular thinning cut is also recommended. Ideally, you should give your cylinder brush a trim like this every year. A suitable time has come to bring the plant into shape before wintering in autumn.

Pruning to get cuttings

A cut can also be useful for the propagation of Callistemon. To get cuttings you need green or semi-lignified shoots. In the spring, cut off the cuttings.

That's how it's done:

  • Cut off 10 cm long, flowerless shoots
  • remove lower leaves
  • put in growing soil in a pot with a minimum diameter of 7 cm
  • place in a bright, 18 to 20 °C warm place for rooting
  • keep soil moistured
  • Rooting time: 4 to 6 weeks

A strong pruning is tolerated in old age

Sometimes a heavier pruning may be appropriate. If Callistemon is showing increasing signs of aging (e.g. many dry leaves) or has become too large, a 'radical haircut' will help. The best time is in spring. But be careful not to burden younger specimens with this exhausting cut. Older plants usually tolerate this procedure well.

tips

Since this plant is evergreen, pruning can be a bit complicated (due to the foliage it is difficult to see how the shoots are growing). Therefore, proceed carefully and with caution!

Category:

Herbs