How to Manage Pests

Bottlebrush—Callistemon spp.
Family Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)

Plant identification

Bottlebrush, a native of Australia, is an evergreen shrub or tree. The genus is identified by the colorful flowers that appear as long, bristly clusters of filaments around a stem. Bottlebrush is used as a formal clipped hedge, informal screen, or trained as a small specimen tree. Dwarf forms exist that make a lovely small hedge.

Optimum conditions for growth

Bottlebrush plants are adapted to temperate climate zones and can be damaged at temperatures below 20° F. They are somewhat tolerant of saline and alkaline soils but may exhibit chlorosis. Bottlebrush does best in full sun with well-drained soils. Once established bottlebrush requires little summer water, with the exception of weeping bottlebrush (C. viminalis), which does require ample water.

Flower of bottlebrush

Flowering bottlebrush