CALLISTEMON RIGIDUS

Botanical Name: Callistemon rigidus
Common Names: Rigid Bottlebrush, Stiff Bottlebrush
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, rocky, and clay soils
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Stiff, narrow, evergreen leaves on upright, woody stems; dense and hardy
Flowers: Bright red, brush-like flower spikes bloom profusely in spring and occasionally again in late summer
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Callistemon rigidus is appreciated for its dense habit and vivid red flowers, making it a great choice for hedges, borders, and mixed shrub plantings.

Xeriscaping:
Thrives in low-water gardens, adapting well to dry and sunny climates with minimal maintenance.

Sculptural Accent Plant:
Its upright growth and bold floral display make it a strong visual element in modern and Mediterranean-style landscapes.

Benefits:

Extreme Drought Tolerance:
Performs well in hot, dry environments with little need for supplemental irrigation once established.

Low Maintenance:
Hardy and resistant to pests and diseases; responds well to pruning to shape or control size.

Ecological Contribution:
Its nectar-rich flowers support pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Architectural Form:
Stiff, upright branches and striking red blooms offer structure and seasonal interest.

Cold Hardy:
Tolerates light frost and is well-suited to a variety of temperate to warm climates.

Callistemon rigidus is a tough, vibrant shrub that delivers striking color, reliable performance, and ecological value to water-wise landscapes. Its bold flowers and rugged form make it a standout in sustainable garden design.