Australian Cultivar Registration Authority

Description:
Photographer:

Description: Callistemon salignus 'Kempsey', Taken: 17 December 2018, [HERBARIUM SPECIMEN] ACRA NO: Acc 393 Copyright : Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research (CANBR) holds copyright
Photographer: Palmer, R.

Callistemon 'Kempsey'

File Number

393

ACRA Field Book Number

238

Registration Date

14/01/1991

Application Received

01/03/1987

Family

Myrtaceae

Cultivar Name

Callistemon 'Kempsey'

Origin

Callistemon 'Kempsey' was originally selected from a number of seedlings raised by Mr H Infield of the Callistemon Study Group at Coomba Park, NSW. The seed was taken from an unregistered cultivar, Callistemon 'Maffra Pastel Pink', which is a possible cross between C salignus and C. viminalis. The name refers to the cultivar's selection as the floral emblem of Kempsey Shire Council. The cultivar was first received by the Authority in March 1987. Registration applied for by Kempsey Shire Council, Kempsey, NSW.

Characteristics

This cultivar is a tall erect shrub to 4m tall by up to 2m across. The bark is semi-papery. The leaves are narrow lanceolate and 65mm long by 6mm wide. The flowers are a bright red in colour and are borne in densely packed terminal racemes in spring and summer. Diagnosis: This cultivar is more erect than either of the parent species. The flowers are also held more erect and larger than the parent species. The new leaf growth is not red.

Cultivation

Callistemon 'Kempsey' can be grown as a single or multi-trunked specimen. It thrives in conditions similar to those required for Callistemon salignus. It is said to be frost and drought hardy.

Publication

Australian Cultivar Registration Authority (1993), Australian Plant Cultivars. Australian Plants 17(134): 54

Colour Coding

RHS Colour Chart 1966 filaments: Red Group 45B to 46C

Propagation

Cuttings from semi-firm new growth

Applicant Name

Kempsey Shire Council

Uses

It is a useful decorative species for home, street, and other public garden spaces, but does benefit from a regular pruning for best results.

Availability

Specialist native plant nurseries

ANBG Accession Numbers

ACC393; ACRA238/450; CBG8701127/8910942.

NSL ID

-