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Plant Profiles / Bottlebrush
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Bottlebrush
Melaleuca (syn. Callistemon) spp., e.g. 'Little John' · Callistemon, bottlebrush
A tough Australian native with bright red, brush-shaped flowers that bring birds and bees. Compact varieties like 'Little John' are perfect for pots.
Full sunLight
WeeklyWater
Very easyCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Full sun
ShadeFull sun
Full sun for the most flowers.
Water
Weekly
DryWet
Regular water in pots; tough once established.
Humidity
Average
LowHigh
Adaptable.
Temperature
-5–40°C (23–104°F)
CoolWarm
Handles light frost and heat.
Growth
Moderate, shrub
SlowFast
'Little John' 1 m; others 2–4 m.
Soil
Adaptable
LeanRich
Tolerates most soils, even damp ones.
Fertiliser
Native fertiliser, spring
RarelyOften
Low-phosphorus native fertiliser.
Pet safety
Non-toxic
SafeToxic
Considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.
About this plant
Bottlebrushes are found across Australia and have been reclassified as Melaleuca. They flower heavily in spring and often again in autumn. 'Little John' is a dwarf form with blue-green leaves, ideal for balconies.
Best spots
Sunny balconies, low hedges, native gardens and large pots.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Melaleuca (syn. Callistemon) spp., e.g. 'Little John' |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Origin | Australia |
| Plant type | Evergreen shrub |
| Mature size | 1–4 m |
| Growth rate | Moderate |
| Foliage | Narrow, often blue-green leaves |
| Flowers | Red brush-shaped spikes |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Cuttings |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Flowering
Prune
Fertilise
FloweringPruneFertilise
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Few flowers | Too much shade or pruned at the wrong time. |
| Woody, bare base | Tip-prune after flowering. |
| Webbing on leaves | Sawfly larvae; prune out. |
| Yellow leaves | Too much phosphorus. |
| Seed pods on stems | Normal; trim to tidy. |
Common questions
When should I prune?
Just behind the spent flowers, after flowering.
Does it attract birds?
Yes.
Can it grow in a pot?
Yes, dwarf types are ideal.
Is it hardy?
Very.
