Callistemon citrinus
Scarlet Bottlebrush
Description
A wonderfully carefree evergreen shrub with masses of showy, scarlet, bottle brush-shaped flowers in spring and summer. A very dramatic accent, hedge or screen plant with leathery gray-green foliage that provides year-round interest. Tolerates poor soils, heat and mild drought when established. Thrives in average, lightly acidic, well-drained soil; avoid alkaline soils. Water deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. More drought tolerant in coastal areas; less tolerant in hot, arid regions. Apply fertilizer in early spring. Prune to shape after flowering. Does best in full sun. Reaches 10-12' tall and wide in 10 years. Will get larger with age. Blooms attract hummingbirds. This shrub tolerates coastal conditions.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
6-12'
Width Range
Flower Color
Red
Flower Season
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall, Intermittent
Leaf Color
Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Low
Growth Rate
Fast
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Adverse Factors
Attracts Bees
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Seascape, Spanish
Accenting Features
Espalier, Showy Flowers, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Shrub Border, Patio, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Cut Flowers, Hedge, Screen
Attracts Wildlife
Hummingbirds
Water Saving Tip:
Dig-up patches of weeds and undesirable grasses from turf areas.
Use water to grow the turf you want, not the weeds you don't want! Once you have eliminated what you don't want, add sod or over-seed to repair the bare areas.