Bottlebrush — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Callistemon citrinus |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 14–28 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 365–730 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 152.4–243.8 |
| Mature height (cm) | 152.4–304.8 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 152.4–243.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 8–11 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Sowing method | Cutting |
Growing directions
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun; the crimson bottlebrush is one of the most versatile and widely planted Australian natives in Gulf Coast and California gardens, producing spectacular cylindrical flower spikes 4–6 inches long with hundreds of bright crimson stamens that give the flower its distinctive bottlebrush shape. The nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies and appear primarily in spring and often reflower in fall. Unlike Callistemon viminalis (weeping bottlebrush), C. citrinus grows as a dense, upright to spreading shrub rather than a pendulous tree. It tolerates poor soils, salt spray, drought, and occasional standing water — making it one of the most adaptable ornamental shrubs for challenging coastal and urban conditions. Excellent as a screen, foundation plant, or specimen.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0