Species

Callistemon citrinusCrimson Bottlebrush

4 other cultivars

shrub

Crimson Bottlebrush

Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens'

The Story

Plant Bio

Callistemon citrinus is an evergreen Australian shrub native to eastern swamps and watercourses, featuring stiff, elliptic leaves that release a citrus scent when crushed. The flowers lack petals, presenting instead as dense, cylindrical spikes of bright crimson stamens that resemble bottle brushes.

'Splendens' is a compact, rounded garden cultivar of Callistemon citrinus that grows to approximately two metres in height and width. This selection is distinguished by its soft, velvety new growth that emerges with a vivid pink-to-red tint before maturing to deep green.

Uses & Benefits:

Bright crimson bottlebrush flowers and pink-to-red new growth provide strong visual interest.

Highly adaptable to wet or poorly drained soils and provides wind protection.

Attracts nectar-feeding native birds, native bees, and beneficial insects.

SpeciesCallistemon citrinusCrimson Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

79 inches

Width

79 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Eastern Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in full sun with moist, well-drained, mildly acidic to neutral soil.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and plant at the same depth as the nursery pot.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture during the establishment phase.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base, keeping it clear of the main stem.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately after the main spring flowering flush, cutting just behind the spent brushes; pruning hard into old, bare wood prevents the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after the spring flowering flush to maintain a compact shape.
Apply a low-phosphorus native fertiliser or blood and bone sparingly once a year in spring.
Provide supplemental water during prolonged dry spells to preserve optimal flowering.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless woody stems as the plant will fail to reshoot.
Do not apply high-nitrogen fertilisers, which suppress flowering and promote excessive soft foliage.
Do not allow the soil to remain completely dry during prolonged drought if optimal appearance is desired.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgesScreeningCoastal gardensBird-attracting gardens

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crimson Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Crimson Bottlebrush grow in?

Crimson 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.

When does Crimson Bottlebrush bloom?

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

Does Crimson Bottlebrush need full sun?

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

Is Crimson Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

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