1 named cultivar

‘Scarlet Kunzea’Scarlet Kunzea

shrub

Scarlet Kunzea

The Story

Plant Bio

Kunzea baxteri, the scarlet kunzea, is an evergreen woody shrub native to Western Australia that reaches five to ten feet in height, featuring dense, spreading branches clothed in narrow, grey-green leaves. The foliage is alternate and narrow-elliptic, with fine hairs along the margins of the leaf edges.

The species is distinguished by its large, terminal, bottlebrush-like flower clusters up to four inches long, packed with sixteen to thirty deep red flowers. These prominent, long-crimson stamens erupt from the branch tips from spring through summer, attracting local hummingbirds.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking, deep red bottlebrush-like flower clusters that stand out against dense, grey-green foliage.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and performs exceptionally well in exposed, windy coastal environments.

Provides a rich nectar source that attracts hummingbirds, bees, and other general pollinators.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

120"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with exceptionally well-drained sandy or gravelly loam.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but equal in depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply to settle the soil, then establish a strict watering schedule that allows the root zone to dry completely between waterings.
Mulch with an organic, coarse litter to keep roots cool while avoiding the immediate collar of the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a dense habit; cutting back into old, leafless brown wood kills the branch because the stems lack dormant buds to regenerate.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune the tips immediately after the flowering cycle to promote dense, bushy growth.
Ensure the soil drainage is sharp and rapid to prevent fatal root rot.
Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated for native plants if growth appears sluggish.

Don't

Do not prune hard into bare, brown wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from old stems.
Do not allow the plant to sit in standing water or heavy, waterlogged clay soils.
Do not apply standard high-phosphorus garden fertilizers.

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

Specimen plantingCoastal gardensMediterranean gardensBird gardensDry borders

Companion Plants

Grevillea Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos Salvia apiana

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Scarlet Kunzea questions

What zones can Scarlet Kunzea grow in?

Scarlet Kunzea 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 Scarlet Kunzea deer resistant?

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

When does Scarlet Kunzea bloom?

Scarlet Kunzea typically blooms in spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Scarlet Kunzea need full sun?

Scarlet Kunzea does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Scarlet Kunzea drought tolerant?

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