CALLISTEMON LITTLE JOHN

Botanical Name: Callistemon ‘Little John’
Common Names: Little John Bottlebrush, Dwarf Bottlebrush
Mature Size: 3–5 feet (1–1.5 meters) in height, 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; adaptable to sandy, loamy, and rocky substrates
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Dense, blue-green to gray-green narrow leaves with a compact, mounded growth habit
Flowers: Deep red, brush-like flowers; bloom heavily in spring and intermittently year-round in warm climates
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Callistemon ‘Little John’ is admired for its compact size, rich red flowers, and tidy form, making it perfect for borders, foundation plantings, and small-space gardens.

Xeriscaping:
An ideal shrub for low-water-use landscapes, it thrives in hot, dry climates with minimal care and consistent ornamental appeal.

Pollinator-Friendly Plant:
Its nectar-rich blooms attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, supporting local biodiversity in decorative and functional gardens.

Benefits:

Drought Tolerance:
Performs well in dry conditions once established, reducing water needs in arid and Mediterranean gardens.

Low Maintenance:
Pest-resistant, evergreen, and easy to shape with light pruning to maintain a neat appearance.

Ecological Contribution:
Encourages pollinator activity with extended flowering periods throughout the year.

Compact Architectural Form:
Offers structure and color in a small footprint, ideal for modern, desert, or Mediterranean-style gardens.

Cold Hardy:
Tolerates light frost, making it suitable for a wide range of warm and temperate climates.

Callistemon ‘Little John’ is a compact, colorful, and resilient shrub that brings vibrant red blooms and tidy form to water-wise landscapes. Its ease of care and year-round interest make it a favorite for sustainable and visually striking garden designs.