Callistemon x hybrida 'Kings Park Special'

Garden hybrid

This is a garden hybrid, bred from more than one wild species, so it has no single species page of its own.

4 other cultivars

shrub

Kings Park Bottlebrush

Callistemon x hybrida 'Kings Park Special'

The Story

Plant Bio

Callistemon is a genus of evergreen Australian shrubs and trees characterized by narrow, tough foliage and woody seed capsules that persist on the branches for years. The distinctive flower spikes consist of dense clusters of long, brightly colored stamens that resemble a bottle brush and attract abundant nectar-feeding wildlife.

'Kings Park Special' is a vigorous cultivar distinguished by its upright-rounded habit, slightly weeping branchlets, and large, vivid crimson flower spikes measuring up to five inches long. The mature dark green leaves are preceded by a flush of pinkish-silky or purplish-red new growth in spring.

Uses & Benefits:

Features bright crimson bottlebrush flower spikes that contrast sharply with dark green foliage and purplish-red new growth.

Functions as an effective windbreak, privacy screen, or informal hedge due to its dense, upright-rounded growth habit and high salt tolerance.

Provides a valuable nectar source for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees in warm-temperate landscapes.

Garden hybrid

Bred from more than one wild species, so it has no species page of its own.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

196"

Width

157"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High tolerance

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil, though clay and sandy soils are also tolerated.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, placing the plant so the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, and maintain regular moisture during the first summer to establish the root system.
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the main trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the primary spring bloom flush, cutting back to just behind the spent flower spikes; this stimulates lateral branching and prevents the lower limbs from becoming sparse or floppy.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Use a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer formulated for native plants in spring and fall.
Provide supplemental watering during prolonged dry summer spells to maximize flower production.

Don't

Do not apply standard high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage the root system.
Avoid planting in poorly drained, permanently waterlogged areas where root rot can develop.
Do not prune heavily in late fall, as new growth stimulated by pruning is highly susceptible to frost damage.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimen PlantWindbreakCoastal Garden

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Anigozanthos flavidus Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Kings Park Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Kings Park Bottlebrush grow in?

Kings Park 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.

Is Kings Park Bottlebrush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Kings Park Bottlebrush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Kings Park Bottlebrush bloom?

Kings Park Bottlebrush typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Kings Park Bottlebrush need full sun?

Kings Park Bottlebrush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Kings Park Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

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