Has My Callistemon Been Damaged By Winds/cold Weather Uk Based

Question

I overwinter my callistemon in the greenhouse but this year I put in the porch plenty of light but think I left it too dry. It has been outside for a few weeks and I gave it water and a feed or 2 but don’t know if the wind or cold weather has made it like this. I have had it approx 3 years and it’s bloomed fine. Will it survive or how can I help it? Should I cut off more of the new growth which has turned reddy brown ? There are buds on ends of branches which were pruned but some leaves are brittle also. Uk wales based I can provide more photos if necessary thank you.

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Answer 1

It could be from drying winds, but it also could be a nutrient deficiency. Each spring fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (where the N-P-K numbers are the same such as 10-10-10). I thought I saw scale insects but I believe they are old fruits (brown and round on stems).

You can prune out any dead wood. If you scratch the stem and it is green underneath, the stem or branch is still alive. If it's white or gray inside and brittle, it can be pruned out.

Here is more about caring for your bottlebrush:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bottlebrush/growing-bottlebrush-plants.htm

https://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/tree_fact_sheets/calcita.pdf