Species

Callistemon citrinusCrimson Bottlebrush

5 other cultivars

shrub

Reeves Pink Bottlebrush

Callistemon citrinus 'Reeves Pink'

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.

'Reeves Pink' is a dense, upright cultivar reaching up to ten feet tall and wide, distinguished by its clear pink flower spikes tipped with golden anthers. The new foliage emerges with a soft, velvety texture and a pinkish tint before maturing to deep green.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces striking pink flower spikes and attractive pink-tinged new foliage on a dense evergreen frame.

Provides an effective windbreak, privacy screen, or informal hedge that tolerates coastal salt spray.

Attracts bees, beneficial insects, and hummingbirds with its nectar-rich flowers.

SpeciesCallistemon citrinusCrimson Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

20-30 years

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 very light shade with well-draining soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, backfilling with native soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Apply a three-inch layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the stem.

Pro Tip

Prune just behind each spent brush; cutting further back into old bare wood gives slow, patchy regrowth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune immediately after the main flowering flush to maintain a compact, bushy shape.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated for native plants if feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood, as it will fail to regenerate.
Do not overwater or plant in poorly drained areas where water pools constantly.
Do not shear the plant into tight geometric shapes late in autumn or winter.

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

HedgeSpecimen PlantCoastal GardenWindbreak

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Grevillea Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Reeves Pink Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Reeves Pink Bottlebrush grow in?

Reeves Pink Bottlebrush is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Reeves Pink Bottlebrush deer resistant?

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

When does Reeves Pink Bottlebrush bloom?

Reeves Pink 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 Reeves Pink Bottlebrush need full sun?

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

Is Reeves Pink Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

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