Callistemon rigidus (Stiff Bottlebrush)

Callistemon rigidus (Stiff Bottlebrush) is a bushy, upright, evergreen shrub with slightly arching branches clothed with long, narrow, sharply pointed, dark green leaves, 6 in. long (15 cm). The leaves are fragrant when bruised. Dense spikes of bright deep red flowers, 4 in. long (10 cm) bloom in late spring and early summer. They will bloom intermittently throughout the year in frost-free areas. The blooms are a copious source of nectar for birds and hummingbirds. They are followed by prominent, button-like, seed capsules. An eye-catching specimen for a sunny shrub border.

• Grows up to 10-20 ft. tall (3-6 m) and 10 ft. wide (3 m). Will grow to 20 ft. tall (6 m) in its native habitat. 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. Grow in a sheltered position. Drought tolerant but performs best with regular irrigation.
• Great for foundations, wall-side borders, Mediterranean gardens, or coastal gardens.
• 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