Evergreen Shrubs (Flowering) – Red Cluster Bottlebrush

• Red cluster bottlebrush shrub 

Botanical name: Callistemon citrinus 

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity:  5 to 10 ft in height and an 8 ft spread 

Bloom time: spring, summer 

Hardy zone: Zones 9-11

Flower color: red

Foliage color: green

Growth rate: about a ft a year 

Pruning instructions: Can handle light pruning to maintain shape and size any time of the year. Heavy pruning should only be done in the late winter/early spring

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: makes a great hedge 

Light needs: full sun, 6 – 8 hours of sun a day 

Special features: tropical look with minimal maintenance 

Watering instructions: water thoroughly once a week  in the spring and summer, allow soil to dry before watering again

Fertilizing instructions : Use a high in phosphorus fertilizer once a month during growing season

Best time to plant: spring, summer, early fall 

Best type of soil: adapts to all types of soil 

Companion plants: croton, indian hawthorn, sweet potato vine, asiatic jasmine 

Toxicity level: non-toxic to humans but toxic for pets if ingested 

Invasive species: no