what's going on here?

My Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon Salignus, one of eight varieties)decided it couldn't wait for June and had to pop one flower out early.

 

what can you say to that?? It's clearly got its seasons all wrong! But lovely to see it - and good luck to it!

 

I wonder if the lack of rain and sunshine has anything to do with it. Thats one plant I want to try to grow - when I can see one at my local nursery.

 

That's amazing! Mine has only got nice fat buds on and it's in the greenhouse. I haven't seen a weeping one!

 

I have thousands of seeds from this plant and they germinate very easily if anyone wants some email me. I also have Callistemon Mauve mist seed nearly ready. Both are hardy to -5c. My Callistemon Salignus was planted four years ago and is about 8ft high. The flowers have a scent (unsual for a bottle brush))something like burnt sugar.

 

I've just started some seeds off - any tips, Strongylodon? (How did you decide on that name, by the way?)

 

I usually put sow them in 5in half pots in fine potting compost, do not cover the seeds. Cover the pot with glass or put in a plastic bag.They germinate at 20-22c in a couple of weeks.
Strongylodon....Its the Jade vine, a beautiful tropical climber with turquoise flowers, saw it first time in Singapore Botanical Gardens many moons ago, one of my favourites.

 

Ta, S! Will look up the jade vine! Doubt if it'll survive on the east coast of Scotland - but if it does, I'll give it a go!

 

have looked it up - spectacular, and can see why you like it! The lotus fire vine - incredibly popular at the moment - looks v similar - same family, genus, maybe?

 

Jade vines are from the Phillipines and are strictly tropical and the colour IS turquoise which does not always show correctly in photos. I managed to strike a cutting of this difficult plant at a tropical plant nursery where I was propagator (about 18 years ago). When it went into liquidation the plants were sold off and the Strongylodon went to Wisley. Could still be there!

 

Yes, the plants have certainly got all muddled this winter!!! I have a gazinia on the front doorstep which has been in flower ALL winter - even with the frost on it!!! And to think that the first time we had one of these, it didn't flower all summer, as it wasn't sunny and warm enough!!!!! :confused:

 

Well, Calistemon are native to Australia!

 

you have a point, Frogesque!