Callistemon citrinus

Callistemon citrinus description

Callistemon citrinus, commonly known as the Crimson Bottlebrush, is a hardy evergreen shrub or small tree native to Australia. It is well known for its striking, bright red cylindrical flower spikes that resemble a traditional bottlebrush, appearing mainly in spring and early summer, and often again in autumn. The plant typically grows between 2 to 4 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide, forming a dense, rounded shape. Its narrow, pointed leaves release a subtle lemon scent when crushed, giving rise to the species name citrinus. Callistemon citrinus thrives in full sun, tolerates a wide range of soils, and is highly adaptable to coastal, drought-prone, and urban environments. It attracts birds, bees, and other pollinators, making it a vibrant addition to wildlife gardens. With its combination of resilience and striking flowers, it is commonly used for hedges, screens, and feature planting.

Care guide for Callistemon citrinus

Plant Callistemon citrinus in a sunny position with well-drained soil to ensure the best flowering and healthy growth. While it can tolerate a variety of soils, including clay and sandy types, improving the soil with organic compost at planting will give the plant a strong start. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, resilient root system, then reduce watering once established, as it is drought-tolerant. Light pruning after each flowering flush will help maintain a dense, tidy shape and encourage more blooms in the future. Use a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertiliser in spring to support vibrant flowering and strong growth. Mulching around the base helps conserve moisture and suppress weeds but keep the mulch a few centimetres away from the stem to prevent rot. Callistemon citrinus is tolerant of coastal conditions, light frost, and air pollution, making it a versatile and low-maintenance choice for many garden settings.

Where is Callistemon citrinus for sale in NZ

The Plant Company has the best Callistemon citrinus plants for sale. Our NZ production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant and grass needs and impress you with both our products and service!

Does Callistemon citrinus fruit?

Yes, Callistemon citrinus does produce fruit. After the bright red bottlebrush flowers finish blooming, the plant develops small, woody seed capsules along the stems. These capsules are usually about 5 to 7 millimetres wide and stay attached to the branches for many months or even years. Each capsule contains numerous tiny seeds, which can be released naturally over time or when the plant experiences environmental triggers like fire or drying. The fruits are not ornamental like the flowers, but they are an important part of the plant’s natural lifecycle and can add an interesting texture to the stems.

What is the Callistemon citrinus family?

Callistemon citrinus belongs to the Myrtaceae family. This is a large family of flowering plants that also includes well-known genera like Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, and Leptospermum. Plants in the Myrtaceae family are typically rich in essential oils, have aromatic foliage, and are often well-adapted to drought and fire-prone environments.

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.