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 |
CoinUp, Shutterstock
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 |