Photo of Callistemon citrinus flower by Noodle snacks

Photo by Noodle snacks

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Buy Callistemon citrinus

Also Known As

  • Crimson Bottlebrush
  • Lemon Bottlebrush
  • Scarlet Bottlebrush

Plant type

tree, shrub

size

  • H: 6'-20'
  • W: 8'-20'

planting zones

  • 8b-11

2 inch wide, 4-6 inch deep tube | $19.95

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Callistemon citrinus plant details

Callistemon citrinus is a broadleaf evergreen shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer red flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Callistemon citrinus

Plant type: shrub or tree
Plant family: myrtaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 8 FT - 20 FT - wide, 6 FT - 20 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: bottlebrush flowers, citrus-scented, fragrant, houseplant, lemon-scented

GROWING CONDITIONS for Callistemon citrinus

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, lean and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Spectacular is the word to describe this 3-15' shrub/small tree when it is covered with its 4" bright scarlet-red bottlebrush blooms! The unusual winter-into-spring blooms are much loved by bees. This lovely Australian plant also features lance-shaped green leaves which when crushed emit a delicious lemon-scent. Although not hardy in most areas, it can be easily be containerized in colder areas and can also be grown as a houseplant. S/M
A fabulous small tree or large shrub with narrow, lance shaped, leathery leaves with a distinctly citrus aroma. In early spring occasionally thereafter, it produces enough large, bright red bottlebrush blooms composed mostly of stamens to literally smother the tree with blooms. And then come the hummers in droves! Not very hardy, but for the lucky gardeners who can grow this stunning pest free plant, it's amazing!

By: Lazy S'S Farm Nursery

A beautiful Australian bush with a striking crimson display every spring and summer. The leaves have a pleasant lemony fragrance. It grows quickly and is very heat, cold and drought tollerant. It is fully hardy in zones 8+. If you want a bottlebrush for containers in colder areas, this is your best bet. They can grow 6 ft high or more, but are usually smaller bushes and can be trimmed to any size needed. For sale are plants in small pots (2 1/2 inch). They bloom at a young age, and some of these plants are already forming bloom buds!
Medium sized, evergreen shrub, to 8-10' tall, with handsome, narrow leaves that are lemony when crushed and crimson-red, “bottlebrush" flowers in June and July. A hummingbird's friend. This Australian native makes a great border shrub or small, specimen tree in full sun and well-drained soil. Drought tolerant as well once established! Can also tolerate a bit of frost. Cold hardy in upper USDA Zone 8, resprouting from the base in colder temperatures.

Gardening facts about Callistemon citrinus plant

How to Grow Callistemon citrinus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • brown
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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