Species

Callistemon salignusWillow Bottlebrush

1 other cultivar

‘Great Balls of Fire’Great Balls of Fire Bottlebrush

shrub

Perth Pink Bottlebrush

Callistemon salignus 'Perth Pink'

The Story

Plant Bio

Callistemon salignus, the willow bottlebrush, is an evergreen Australian shrub or small tree characterized by its weeping habit and papery, pinkish-tan bark. The species produces narrow, lance-shaped leaves and cylindrical spikes of creamy-white to yellow flowers that resemble kitchen bottle brushes.

'Perth Pink' is distinguished by its vibrant hot-pink flower spikes and striking new foliage that emerges in bright silvery-pink tones before maturing to grey-green. This cultivar maintains a denser, more upright growth habit than the parent species, making it highly effective for informal hedging.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking hot-pink flower spikes contrasted against bright pink new foliage and grey-green mature leaves.

Serves as an excellent windbreak, privacy screen, or informal hedge due to its dense, upright growth habit.

Provides a rich nectar source for hummingbirds, native bees, and other beneficial pollinators.

SpeciesCallistemon salignusWillow Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

150"

Width

130"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

20-40 years

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 with well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay loam soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water thoroughly at planting and maintain consistent moisture until the root system is fully established.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support new growth without damaging sensitive roots.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the spring flowering flush, cutting only the green, leafy stems; pruning back into old, leafless wood prevents regeneration.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly right after the spring bloom to maintain a dense, compact shape.
Water deeply during extended dry periods to support continuous flowering.
Mulch the root zone to conserve soil moisture and protect roots from temperature extremes.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, bare wood, as it lacks dormant buds to regenerate.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can cause leaf chlorosis and root damage.
Do not plant in poorly drained, waterlogged soils where root rot pathogens thrive.

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

HedgePrivacy ScreenSpecimenCoastal GardenContainer Plant

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Rosmarinus officinalis Grevillea

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Perth Pink Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Perth Pink Bottlebrush grow in?

Perth Pink 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 Perth Pink Bottlebrush deer resistant?

Yes — Perth Pink Bottlebrush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Perth Pink Bottlebrush bloom?

Perth Pink 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 Perth Pink Bottlebrush need full sun?

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

Is Perth Pink Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

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