Callistemon, native to Australia, is a genus belonging to the Myrtaceae family. The etymology of the name Callistemon, which comes from Greek, is composed of the words kallistos meaning "the most beautiful" and stema meaning stamen, in reference to its unique inflorescence. The cultivar 'Better John' refers to this variety being an improved version of 'Little John', with faster establishment in the ground and more attractive, denser foliage than 'Little John'.
_[Callistemon "Better John"](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/item/callistemon-better-john-2)_ is a perennial plant with blue-green and very ornamental leaves. The foliage of new shoots has a silvery tone due to the soft velvety texture of young leaves. It is a compact shrub that under optimal conditions can reach 120 cm in height and about 80 cm in width. The flowering, in reddish tones, takes place between the months of April and May.
It prefers to grow in full sun, although it can be used in light shade, and requires well-drained soils, as it does not tolerate waterlogging. It has resistance to prolonged periods of drought; however, during the first 12 weeks of establishment it will need water regularly. It tolerates moderate frosts, down to -6°C, and does not show a tendency to suffer from pests or diseases. It can be maintained at a minimum height of 60 cm with annual pruning, or allowed to develop its natural habit, as it will not lose its compact and dense appearance.
Regarding its use, it can be used both as a specimen plant and in mass or linear plantings. It is a fast-growing plant that is excellent as a windbreak, and is also very suitable for low-maintenance coastal gardens. It is a hardy and attractive shrub capable of adapting to most gardens and can also be grown in containers.
At Sala Graupera we can also find other varieties of Callistemon such as:
_[Callistemon citrinus 'White Anzac'](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/item/callistemon-citrinus-white-anzac-2)_
_[Callistemon masotti 'Mini Red'](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/item/callistemon-masotti-mini-red-2)_
_[Callistemon "King's Park Special"](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/cataleg/general/item/callistemon-kings-park-special-2)_
Images: idignewplants.com