I transplanted my bottlebrush trees and they're not doing very well. Their leaves are all dry. Please help!
This is a tough one.
Spring is the best time to transplant a Bottlebrush Tree.
Younger trees do better transplanting then an older tree.
The tree should be well watered prior to digging up and a root ball taken from the ground that is the diameter of the trunk times 9.
Adding the soil to the new planting hole layers at a time and tamping down the soil to make sure the roots are covered.
Water is crucial. Mulch with 2 to 3 inches of hardwood mulch taking care not to have the mulch touching the bark.
Tree should be watered with 2 to 3 inches of water and whenever the top 2 to 3 inches of soil dries. Do not overwater and cause the roots to sit in soggy soil.
You are in a wait and see mode.
I have just moved to my new home and I have a bottle brush plant. I have never had one before and would like to know if I am to remove old flower fruits, the hard brown bits that look like a cone.
Yes, trim off the branch just behind the faded flowers.
Here is a link to refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bottlebrush/growing-bottlebrush-plants.htm
I have read all your articles on Callistemon, the most frequently grown 'bottle brush' shrub. How it is tolerant of many soil types, will withstand hot climates but needs damp conditions. Will tolerate even a small amount of sea salt in the air. But no article mentions if it will withstand occasional strong windy weather. I am thinking of planting it in containers on a very sunny terrace, over looking the Mediterranean Sea in southern Spain. Please let me have your thoughts on windy conditions. Windy but never cold. Thank you in anticipation of your reply. Michael Clayton
According to this PDF (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FR/FR17300.pdf), the bottlebrush is classified as having a "medium-low wind resistance". See page 6 of PDF.
Our gardener says it should not be trimmed. It is blocking our view and getting too large. How do we convince them to trim the tree?
Though you need to prune lighter then many shrubs and trees, you certainly can prune a Bottle Brush Tree.
Here is a link that will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bottlebrush/pruning-bottlebrush-plants.htm
What do I do about the leaves all turning brown, although we had a mild winter in south Tx.?
Bottle Brush are very sensitive to fluctuations in temperatures.
They also will turn brown if overwatered or if water pools around the trunk.
They are very susceptible to root rot and if the disease affects the roots, they will not recover.
Make sure the water drains away from the plant.
Other reasons for the leaves turning brown are insects and fungus.
Fungicides can be applied if you suspect a fungus. Inspect the leaves for signs of disease.
Here is a link to refresh you on the care requirements.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bottlebrush/growing-bottlebrush-plants.htm
We planted a Bottle brush tree a few weeks ago. Because of sandy soil, we used black cow fertilizer and topsoil. We try and water every other day. Leaves are getting dry or yellow with black spots. How can we save this tree?
The soil may not be draining well enough. Bootle Brush Trees need a well draining planting site. They are not too fussy about soil conditions, as long as their roots do not sit in soil.
The topsoil may be to dense for the tree, and the fertilizer may have been to rich in nitrogen. This can burn and kill the roots if it was in contact with them in the planting.
Generally you will not need to fertilize until the 2nd spring after planting.
Unfortunately this tree may not survive in it's current situation.
I might dig this tree up and determine the condition of the roots.
If they are blackened and soft, you can trim away these roots to see if there are remaining healthy roots left.
You can remove the soil that was heavily mixed with the manure and replace with new soil.
Then continue the correct watering schedule.
Here is a link with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bottlebrush/growing-bottlebrush-plants.htm
Do you remove the seed pods from previous year's growth?
Yes, you can remove the last years flower pods.
Dead heading the spent flowers in the summer will help keep the shrubs shape.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/bottlebrush/growing-bottlebrush-plants.htm