Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush)

How to grow Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) in NZ

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) thrives in full sun and well drained soil. It performs well in coastal areas, handles wind, and tolerates light frost once established. Water regularly during the first season to encourage deep roots, then reduce as the shrub matures. Plant in warm, open sites for the best flowering results and maintain moderate soil fertility to support vigorous evergreen growth.

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) care tips

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) is easy care. Lightly prune after flowering to encourage fresh branching and fuller bloom displays next season. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring and mulch annually to help conserve moisture. Once established, it requires little watering except during extended dry periods and remains hardy, neat and colourful with minimal maintenance.

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) size spacing and growth rate

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) typically grows 2 to 3 metres tall and 1.5 to 2.5 metres wide, forming a bushy upright shrub. Space plants 2 to 2.5 metres apart to allow natural development and airflow. Growth is moderate to fast in sunny, warm conditions. Expect prolific crimson red flowers in late spring and summer with evergreen foliage providing year round structure.

Landscaping uses for Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush)

Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) suits native gardens, mixed shrub borders, wildlife friendly plantings, screening, coastal landscapes and large feature beds. Its vibrant flowers pair beautifully with grasses, flaxes, hebes and silver foliage shrubs. Use as a focal shrub, create a colourful hedge or plant in clusters to encourage birds and enhance biodiversity.

Why buy Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) from The Plant Company?

The Plant Company is NZs most trusted plant nursery supplying strong Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) plants grown for resilience, flowering quality and landscape versatility. Each plant is professionally packed for nationwide delivery and includes clear establishment guidance. Expect brilliant red flowers, hardy evergreen growth and exceptional garden performance. Choose Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) from The Plant Company for colour and reliability.

When does Callistemon citrinus flower?

Callistemon citrinus typically flowers in spring and early summer, with its main blooming period usually from September to December in the Southern Hemisphere (New Zealand and Australia). In some climates, especially with good conditions, it can also produce a secondary flush of flowers in autumn. The bright red bottlebrush flowers are highly attractive to birds and pollinators, adding vibrant colour to gardens during these seasons.

How to grow a Callistemon citrinus hedge

Growing an amazing Callistemon citrinus hedge starts with determining how far apart to space the plants. As a general guide, 50 cm between the plants is the ideal spacing for this hedge. If you want the hedge to fill in faster, you can close up the spacing to 40 cm. However, going wider than 50 cm will have two effects. The first is that the gap between the plants at the base will be harder to fill in. The second is that the plants will tend to grow wider rather than upward. At a closer spacing the plants compete for light, and in doing so, push each other upwards. The Plant Company recommends a 40-50 cm spacing to achieve an amazing hedge.