Bottlebrush

UsesShrub, Flowering Tree
Common NamesCallistemon
Scientific NameCallistemon citrinus
Cold HardinessYes
Light NeedsFull Sun
Flower ColorRed
BloomsSpringtime, last for six months
Water NeedsDrought Tolerant
LeavesMedium Green
E/DEvergreen
Life Perenial
Mature Height 18 Feet
Growth RateModerate
Bottlebrush Tree in Bloom
Bottlebrush Tree in Bloom – Click to Enlarge

Coming from Australia, via a twist of Texas, this species becomes an interesting feature when it’s turned into a tree. The shrub is just as attractive as it features the flowers more prominently. This species loves the sun and it loves Orlando. Flowering profusely for six months makes it a good investment to keep your landscape a lively show when other plants are resting. It is a cold hearty species and survives an unusually cooler winter. However, if the winter is warm, the buds arrive sooner and stay longer. It makes a nice introduction to your property; one on each side of a walkway, leading to the front door would make a lovely impression—tempting passersby to touch the feathery blooms.

If you prefer the tree form, it may be eventually set off with a well-trained ligustrum hedge growing around its trunk up to canopy height, allowing the flowering tree to crown the hedge. Nice.

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Buy at an Orlando Nursery near you

  • Pokey’s Lake Jem Citrus Nursery

    3259 N. Orange Blossom Trail Zellwood, FL 32798

    Only Fruit Trees, no shipping
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