shrub

Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush

Melaleuca hypericifolia

The Story

Plant Bio

Melaleuca hypericifolia, commonly known as the hillock bush, is a dense, often pendulous evergreen shrub native to the coastal districts and sandy heaths of New South Wales. The foliage consists of opposite, decussate leaves that are oblong to elliptic, providing a structural backdrop for the large, bright red, bottlebrush-like flower spikes.

This species is distinguished by its exceptionally large staminal bundles, which exceed 20 millimetres in length and emerge from both terminal shoots and older wood. While the standard form grows as a substantial upright shrub, a semi-prostrate cultivar named 'Ulladulla Beacon' is available for groundcover applications.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces large, bright red bottlebrush flowers against dense, pendulous foliage, making it an excellent screening plant.

Highly tolerant of salt-laden winds and coastal headland conditions, serving as an effective windbreak.

Provides a rich source of nectar for honeyeaters and other native birds, while attracting bees and beneficial insects.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

10-20 years

Native To

Australia (New South Wales)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 4 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun or partial shade with well-drained sandy soil, loam, or clay-loam.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the soil is loosened around the perimeter.
Position the plant at its original container depth, backfill with native soil, and firm gently to remove air pockets.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the first summer to establish the root system.

Pro Tip

Prune the canopy lightly but regularly immediately after flowering; cutting back hard into old, leafless wood will fail to trigger new shoots, leaving the lower interior permanently bare.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly and regularly after each flowering flush to maintain a dense, leafy habit.
Water occasionally during extended dry summer periods to support optimal flowering.
Apply a low-phosphorus native-formulation slow-release fertiliser sparingly if soil nutrients are poor.

Don't

Do not cut back hard into old, bare wood, as the plant lacks the capacity to regenerate from old stems.
Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged clay soils where standing water restricts root respiration.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilisers which can damage sensitive native root systems.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Coastal windbreakHedgeBird-attracting screenSpecimen shrub

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Correa alba Banksia ericifolia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush grow in?

Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush bloom?

Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush need full sun?

Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Hillock Bush, Red Bottlebrush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.