Species

Callistemon citrinusCrimson Bottlebrush

5 other cultivars

shrub

Crimson Bottlebrush

Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens'

The Story

Plant Bio

Callistemon citrinus, the crimson bottlebrush, is an evergreen Australian shrub reaching three to ten 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.

'Splendens' is distinguished by its highly compact, rounded growth habit and exceptionally vibrant, deep crimson flower spikes. The new foliage flushes with a vivid pinkish-bronze hue before maturing to a deep, dull green.

Uses & Benefits:

Features bright crimson, brush-like flower spikes against aromatic, lemon-scented foliage and pinkish-bronze new growth.

Highly drought-tolerant once established and tolerates coastal salt spray, making it ideal for windbreaks.

Provides an abundant source of nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial insect pollinators.

SpeciesCallistemon citrinusCrimson Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

118"

Width

118"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

Moderate to High

Lifespan

Perennial

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 with well-draining soil to ensure maximum flower production.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth, ensuring the crown sits level with the surrounding soil.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil, and maintain regular moisture until the root system is established.
Apply a thin layer of organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture, keeping it clear of the main stems.

Pro Tip

Prune just behind each spent brush annually to prevent a leggy, woody base; while it tolerates hard rejuvenation pruning into old wood, regular light shaping maintains the best form.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after the main flowering cycle to maintain a dense, bushy shape.
Ensure the soil drains rapidly to prevent root rot.
Use a low-phosphorus, balanced fertilizer if feeding is necessary.

Don't

Do not plant in heavy, waterlogged soils without improving subsurface drainage.
Do not apply high-phosphorus fertilizers, which can damage sensitive native roots.
Do not neglect annual pruning, which leads to a sparse, woody base.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingCoastal windbreaksHedges and screensPollinator gardens

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula dentata Cistus purpureus

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.

Is Crimson Bottlebrush deer resistant?

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

When does Crimson Bottlebrush bloom?

Crimson 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 Crimson Bottlebrush need full sun?

Crimson Bottlebrush does best in full sun (6+ hours).

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.