Callistemon 'Red Reika'

ORIGIN: Callistemon 'Red Reika' is a seedling selection from Callistemon 'Harkness' raised by the applicant at Myers Flat in Victoria. The cultivar was first received by the Authority in December 1984. Registration applied for by Mrs E Thoren, 222 Lodden Valley Highway, Myers Flat 3556.

DESCRIPTION: This cultivar grows to about 4m tall by 3 to 4m wide. The flowers are red in colour, 150mm long by about 65mm wide. The flowering period is from October to December.

DIAGNOSIS: In most respects this cultivar is similar to Callistemon 'Harkness'.

It can be distinguished from Callistemon 'Harkness' by the longer and wider inflorescences and by the flower colour, which is a deeper red.

OTHER NOTES: The cultivar has proven drought tolerant and frost hardy. Propagation must be by vegetative means to preserve the cultivar form.

COLOUR CODE: RHS Colour Chart 1966

stamens: close to red group 46B/C

stigma: red group 46A (this compares with a stamen colour of red group 52A for Callistemon 'Harkness')

ACRA REFERENCES: ACC337; ACRA143; CBG8413005.

ACCEPTED FOR REGISTRATION ON: 27 October 1986