The Story
Plant Bio
Callistemon citrinus, the crimson bottlebrush, is an evergreen Australian shrub reaching three to five feet in cultivation, with narrow leathery leaves that smell of lemon when crushed. The flowers have no petals to speak of; the display comes from dense cylindrical spikes of bright red stamens held at the shoot tips, produced in flushes through the season.
'White Anzac' is a low-growing, sprawling cultivar selected from a wild population in New South Wales that spreads up to ten feet wide. It produces large, white flower spikes up to six inches long that age to creamy white, contrasting with coppery-pink new foliage.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
40"
Width
118"
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
Long-lived
Native To
Australia
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a planting site in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth.
- Gently loosen the roots of the container plant and place it in the hole.
- Backfill with native soil, firm down gently, and water thoroughly to settle.
Pro Tip
Prune immediately after the main flowering flush, but never cut back past the green foliage into bare wood, as Callistemon lacks dormant buds on old stems and will not regrow.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Prune hard immediately after the main flowering flush to maintain a dense habit.
- Ensure the soil is well-drained to prevent root rot.
Don't
- Do not cut back into bare, leafless wood, as the plant will not reshoot.
- Do not over-water once established, as this species is highly drought-tolerant.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Prune |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
White Anzac Bottlebrush questions
What zones can White Anzac Bottlebrush grow in?
White Anzac 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 White Anzac Bottlebrush bloom?
White Anzac Bottlebrush typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does White Anzac Bottlebrush need full sun?
White Anzac Bottlebrush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is White Anzac Bottlebrush drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), White Anzac Bottlebrush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Callistemon to compare
Weeping Bottlebrush
Callistemon viminalis
Cane's Hybrid Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus 'Cane's Hybrid'
Woodlander's Hardy Bottlebrush
Callistemon x hybrida 'Woodlander'S Hardy'
Little John Dwarf Bottlebrush
Callistemon citrinus 'Little John'
Violet Bottlebrush
Callistemon x hybrida 'Violaceus'
River Bottlebrush
Callistemon sieberi
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow White Anzac Bottlebrush with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.