CALLISTEMON CITRINUS

Botanical Name: Callistemon citrinus
Common Names: Red Bottlebrush, Lemon Bottlebrush
Mature Size: 6–15 feet (1.8–4.5 meters) in height, 6–10 feet (1.8–3 meters) in spread
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates a variety of substrates including sandy and loamy soils
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Narrow, aromatic green leaves with a citrus scent when crushed
Flowers: Bright red, cylindrical «brush-like» flowers blooming in spring and sporadically throughout the year
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Callistemon citrinus is admired for its vivid red bottlebrush flowers and dense evergreen foliage, bringing dynamic color and form to landscapes, borders, and hedging.

Xeriscaping:
An excellent addition to low-water-use gardens, this hardy shrub thrives in dry climates while maintaining ornamental appeal.

Pollinator Garden Feature:
Its nectar-rich blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, making it a vibrant choice for wildlife-friendly designs.

Benefits:

Drought Tolerance:
Once established, it performs well with minimal irrigation, ideal for water-wise landscapes.

Low Maintenance:
Hardy and pest-resistant, requiring only occasional pruning to maintain shape and encourage flowering.

Ecological Contribution:
Provides valuable nectar for pollinators and habitat for beneficial insects.

Seasonal Color:
Produces bright, showy flowers in cycles throughout the growing season, adding continuous visual interest.

Cold Hardy:
Tolerates light frost and adapts to a variety of temperate climates.

Callistemon citrinus is a bold, fast-growing shrub that brings long-lasting color, wildlife attraction, and structure to dry and Mediterranean-style gardens. Its vibrant flowers and low-care nature make it an ideal choice for sustainable, colorful landscapes.