Question From:
in Eltham, Melbourne Victoria
Nature of problem:
Calistemon for screening – clay soil
Type of Plant (if known):
Calistemon
Symptoms of Plant Illness (please try NOT to diagnose your problems yourself):
N/a
Soil Type (e.g. sandy, clay or loam) OR Potting Mix Type:
Clay soil
How often do you water the plant:
N/a
How many hours of sunlight does the plant get each day:
Full sun
How long since you planted it:
N/a
Have you fertilised? If so, with what and when:
N/a
Is the plant indoors or outdoors:
Outdoors
Is the plant in a pot or in the ground:
Ground
What other treatments have you given the plant:
N/a
Upload photo if available:
Other Comments:
Hi Don and team,
I would like to plant some screening trees to block some of the view/noise of my yard and kids from neighbours. We live on a hill with a 1.5m drop between our side and neighbour’s side of the fence. I would like to put in trees of around 3m and prefer natives to attract birds & bees, with some colour for interest, so thought calistemons could suit.
It is a clay soil and a north facing garden (fencelines are N and W facing) so need trees that will be both heat and frost tolerant (Melbourne winter). It is a long fenceline so I need to find a budget-friendly option, and also passes close to an access pit at one point so I am worried about invasive root systems.
Can you please recommend suitable plants and what size is best to purchase?
Thanks so much!
Answer:
Hi nameless,
Callistemon ‘Captain Cook’ is still the best bottlebrush to 3m. It is harmless, likes clay soils and has red flowers. Don