Alphabetical Plant Listing

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush)

Crimson Bottlebrush, Scarlet Bottlebrush, Lemon Bottlebrush, Red Bottlebrush, Melaleuca citrina


Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is an evergreen shrub with arching branches clothed with lance-shaped leaves that emerge coppery before maturing to gray-green. The leaves release a lemony scent when bruised. Bright crimson bottlebrush-like flower spikes, 4 in. long (10 cm) bloom intermittently throughout the year in frost-free areas. The blooms are a copious source of nectar for birds and hummingbirds. They give way to woody seed capsules that remain closed on the branches for years. An eye-catching specimen for a sunny shrub border or charming hedge in frost-free areas. No shrub could give a more brilliant display for so little trouble.

  • Grows up to 3-25 ft. tall (180-750 cm) and 3-20 ft. wide (150-600 cm). Will grow to 15 ft. tall (4.5 m) in its native habitat and can also be trained as a tree to 25 ft. tall (7.5 cm). In northern climates, it is typically grown as a 3-5 ft. tall shrub or standard (90-150 cm).
  • Easily grown in acidic, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Drought tolerant but performs best with regular irrigation.
  • Great for foundations, hedges, wall-side borders, Mediterranean gardens, city gardens, or containers.
  • Virtually disease-free and pest-free. Watch for glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects when grown under glass. Deer resistant.
  • Prune immediately after flowering.
  • Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to Australia.

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Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 11
Heat Zones 10 – 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Callistemon - Bottlebrushes, Melaleuca
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 25' (90cm – 7.5m)
Spread 3' – 20' (90cm – 6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants Australia
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden

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While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 11
Heat Zones 10 – 11
Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Callistemon - Bottlebrushes, Melaleuca
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 3' – 25' (90cm – 7.5m)
Spread 3' – 20' (90cm – 6m)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants Australia
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens, Patio and Containers, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden

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