Planting Advice: Generally unfussy regarding soil, poor soil benefits from the addition of plenty of organic matter. Once established plants don't need special attention and are generally problem-free. Pot-grown trees can be planted at any time of the year as long as the soil is not waterlogged or frozen. Dig a square planting hole 3 x wider than the roots of the shrub you're planting and mix some well-rotted compost or manure with the soil from the hole and use this to re-fill once the shrub is in place. Before planting soak container-grown shrubs thoroughly and allow to drain. Remove your Callistemon from its pot and tease out a few of the roots. Add Mycorrhizal fungi to the roots when planting to help plants establish quicker. Place your tree in the hole at the same level at the pot, refill, firm, and water well. Mulch around the base of the plant. Plants can also be grown in a pot using a good quality soil-based compost. Aftercare Advice: Although drought-tolerant, Callistemon requires regular watering. Feed with a general-purpose liquid feed in the growing season and top dress in the spring. Callistemon can get out of hand under glass so restrictive pruning may be necessary to keep their shape. A half-hardy shrub, give winter protection in colder, windier spots. A fleece cover and mulch will see them safely through the winter. Potted plants can be moved to a cool conservatory or greenhouse. Pruning Advice: Lightly prune after flowering to keep them under control, cutting just behind the spent bloom. Callistemons in general don't like hard-pruning, so just remove spent flowerheads immediately after flowering, or trim new growth to maintain shape.