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callistemon red

If you’re searching for a striking feature plant for your New Zealand garden, the Callistemon red is a standout choice. Known for its vibrant scarlet bottlebrush blooms, this resilient shrub adds a splash of colour and attracts native birds, making it a favourite for both keen gardeners and landscaping newcomers. With their easy-care nature and showy flowers, red bottlebrush varieties of callistemon thrive in a range of garden styles—whether you’ve got a modern courtyard or a sprawling mixed border.

Callistemon citrinus 'Red Cluster' small tree with masses of red, pendulous flowers.

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Red Cluster' is a striking bottlebrush variety valued for its clusters of vivid red flower spikes and dense evergreen foliage. Flowering from late spring through summer, it brings bold colour into New Zealand gardens while attracting bees and birds.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 2.50 m
Spread: 2.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Containers, Hedging, Living areas, Parks, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern
Callistemon 'Red Alert' shrub in a garden.

Callistemon 'Red Alert'

Callistemon 'Red Alert' is a compact evergreen shrub admired for its brilliant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The vivid blooms create a bold splash of colour against fine green foliage and attract birds to the garden.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Shrubs
Height: 1.75 m
Spread: 1.75 m
Tolerances: Coastal, Extended dry periods, Hardy, Wind
Garden uses: Hedging, Living areas, Pool areas
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' ground cover plant with creeping stems with green foliage and red flowers.
Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' is a compact, spreading bottlebrush known for its vibrant red flower spikes and fine evergreen foliage. This variety...

From$27.53
Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) shrub covered in elegant, red flowers.
Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Scented Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is a classic Australian shrub widely loved in New Zealand for its brilliant crimson red flower spikes and...

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Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' shrub covered in pretty, red flowers.
Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' is a striking bottlebrush variety known for its vivid crimson red flower spikes and lush evergreen foliage. Flowering from...

From$27.53
Callistemon 'Red Willow' red flowers.
Callistemon 'Red Willow'

Callistemon 'Red Willow' is an elegant evergreen shrub or small tree admired for its pendulous branches and vivid red bottlebrush flowers. Flowering...

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Callistemon viminalis

Callistemon viminalis (Weeping Bottlebrush) is a graceful evergreen tree admired for its pendulous branches and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers...

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Callistemon 'Better John'

Callistemon 'Better John' is a hardy evergreen shrub valued for its dense green foliage and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring...

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Callistemon 'Green John' (Dwarf Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Green John' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its fresh green foliage and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring...

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Callistemon 'Candy Floss' (Pink Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Candy Floss' is a delightful evergreen shrub admired for its soft pink bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer. The...

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Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' showy red flowers.
Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red'

Lagerstroemia 'Crimson Red' is a striking crepe myrtle renowned for its deep crimson summer flowers and attractive upright tree form. Flowering...

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Clivia miniata 'Red' plants with elegant, red flowers.
Clivia miniata 'Red'

Clivia miniata 'Red' is a striking evergreen perennial prized for its bold red trumpet shaped flowers that appear in late winter and spring. The...

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A Loropetalum 'Red Temple' plant with dark purple-red foliage and elegant, pink flowers.
Loropetalum 'Red Temple'

Loropetalum 'Red Temple' produces mildly fragrant, pink-red flowers through winter, which are both unusual and appealing. The foliage on this bushy...

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Escallonia 'Red Knight' growing as a border around the base of a tree.
Escallonia 'Red Knight'

Escallonia 'Red Knight' is a vibrant evergreen shrub prized for its masses of rich red flowers and dense glossy foliage. This hardy variety produces...

From$39.95
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Leptospermum 'Red Damask'

Leptospermum 'Red Damask' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its masses of rich red flowers and fine dense foliage. Flowering through spring...

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Leptospermum 'Red Falls' plant with red flowers and dark green-purple coloured leaves.
Leptospermum 'Red Falls'

Leptospermum 'Red Falls' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its cascading growth habit and masses of vibrant red flowers through spring and...

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Buddleia 'Royal Red' dark pink flowers and grey-green foliage.
Buddleia 'Royal Red'

Buddleia 'Royal Red' is a bold deciduous shrub celebrated for its rich red crimson flower spikes and sweet summer fragrance. Flowering over an...

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Acer 'Red Sunset'

Acer 'Red Sunset' is one of the finest deciduous maples for autumn colour, producing a spectacular display of brilliant scarlet and crimson foliage...

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Acer palmatum 'Red Emperor' specimen tree in a mixed planting.
Acer 'Red Emperor'

Acer 'Red Emperor' is a striking Japanese maple valued for its rich deep red foliage and strong upright form. This deciduous tree performs...

From$349.95
Photinia 'Red Robin' hedge with colourful foliage.
Photinia 'Red Robin'

Photinia 'Red Robin' is a popular evergreen shrub renowned for its vibrant red new growth, which contrasts beautifully with the mature glossy green...

From$18.95
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Camellia 'Roma Red'

Camellia 'Roma Red' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms and glossy green foliage. It delivers bold winter to spring colour in...

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Phormium 'Rainbow Red' red and purple striped foliage.
Phormium 'Rainbow Red'

Phormium 'Rainbow Red' is a vibrant New Zealand native flax admired for its bold, arching leaves in shades of bronze, red, and pink. This striking...

From$249.95
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Grevillea 'Red Clusters'

Grevillea 'Red Clusters' is a vibrant evergreen shrub that produces masses of rich red flower clusters throughout the year. Its fine foliage and...

From$24.95
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' rose-coloured foliage.
Pseudowintera 'Red Glow'

Pseudowintera 'Red Glow' is a bright and vibrant NZ native shrub. New foliage emerges rose-pink and ages to become a fresh green colour. The leaf...

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Coprosma Red Rocks with colourful foliage in a garden.
Coprosma 'Red Rocks'

Coprosma 'Red Rocks' is a hardy NZ native shrub known for its rich red toned foliage and tough spreading habit. Naturally found in coastal...

From$11.95
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Callistemon 'Hot Pink' (Pink Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'Hot Pink' is a vibrant evergreen shrub admired for its eye catching hot pink bottlebrush flowers that appear from spring into summer...

From$27.53
Salvia 'Riverton Red' plant with elegant red flowers and lush, green leaves.
Salvia 'Riverton Red'

Salvia 'Riverton Red' is a striking perennial prized for its vivid red flower spikes that bloom reliably from spring through autumn. This hardy, sun...

From$27.53
Azalea 'Red Wings' stunning red flowers amidst dark green foliage.
Azalea 'Red Wings'

Azalea 'Red Wings' is a striking evergreen azalea admired for its vivid red flowers that appear in abundance during spring. The vibrant blooms sit...

From$26.95
Callistemon citrinus 'White Anzac' white flowers amidst green foliage.
Callistemon 'White Anzac' (White Bottlebrush)

Callistemon 'White Anzac' is a low growing spreading bottlebrush known for its elegant white flower brushes that appear from late spring through...

From$27.53
Grapefruit 'Cutler's Red' orange fruit.
Grapefruit 'Cutlers Red'

Grapefruit 'Cutlers Red' produces good yields of large, deep orange, juicy fruit from winter through spring. The rind is thick but easily peeled. It...

From$369.95
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Camellia 'Red Red Rose'

Camellia 'Red Red Rose' is a striking evergreen shrub known for its rich red blooms that bring bold colour and elegance to New Zealand gardens...

From$34.95
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' ground cover with masses of red flowers.
Rose 'Flower Carpet Red'

Rose 'Flower Carpet Red' is a popular ground cover rose valued for its rich red flowers and outstanding disease resistance. This tough rose performs...

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Callistemon 'Red Cluster' (Red Bottlebrush)

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Callistemon, or related Categories - Evergreen Shrubs, and Evergreen Trees.

Search callistemon red

The Distinctive Appeal of Callistemon Red Varieties

Callistemon red refers to a group of bottlebrush shrubs or small trees that produce brilliant red flower spikes. These iconic blooms appear from spring through autumn, providing long-lasting visual interest and nectar for local wildlife. Their soft, upright foliage can range from lush green to grey-silver tones, offering a beautiful contrast to the dramatic flowers.

Several sought-after varieties fall under the category of callistemon red. For gardeners who love compact growth, Callistemon 'Rocky Rambler' (Red Bottlebrush) is an excellent choice for low hedges or ground cover. If you’re looking for a neat, upright cultivar, Callistemon 'Slim' (Slim Bottlebrush) is popular for narrow spaces and screening around patios or paths. Meanwhile, Callistemon 'Red Alert' offers a vivid display through autumn, perfect for giving your garden a seasonal lift.

Uses for Callistemon Red in New Zealand Gardens

Callistemon red selections excel in a wide range of garden uses thanks to their adaptability and hardiness. As hedges, they create evergreen privacy screens which also suppress wind and noise. Planted en masse, their brilliant red flowers become a showstopping backdrop, while single specimens provide architectural interest in coastal, urban, and rural settings.

These plants also tolerate poor, sandy, or clay soils and are drought-tolerant once established. Their resilience makes them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. With regular tip pruning after flowering, callistemon red varieties maintain a dense shape, encouraging even more flower spikes next season.

Other Callistemon Varieties to Consider

While callistemon red is celebrated for its unforgettable crimson tones, there is a wide range of bottlebrushes offering variations in flower and foliage colour. For something a little different, Callistemon citrinus (Lemon Scented Bottlebrush) brings citrus-scented foliage and showy red flowers to the mix. The lush Callistemon 'Genoa Glory' (Bottlebrush) is another versatile bottlebrush, valued for its rich bloom and adaptable size.

Whether you’re adding bold accents to an existing design, planting for birdlife, or creating a new feature hedge, you’re sure to find a callistemon red variety that fits the bill. Explore our range and add a splash of lasting colour to your landscape.


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–The Plant Company

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