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Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
Previously known as Callistemon citrinus, Callistemon lanceolatus
When it flowers
- January, flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, not flowering
- August, not flowering
- September, flowering
- October, flowering
- November, flowering
- December, flowering
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Classic red bottlebrush, adaptable and loved by honeyeaters.
Until recently known as Callistemon citrinus; bottlebrushes have been moved into Melaleuca. Crushed leaves smell of lemon. Copes with heavy soil and wet spells.
In the garden
- Attracts
- Birds and pollinating insects
- Flowers
- Crimson bottlebrush spikes, 6 to 10 cm long.
- Leaves
- Stiff leaves with a lemon scent when crushed; new growth is pink.
Growing conditions
- Climate
- Subtropical and temperate
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Sandy, loam and clay
- Drainage
- Copes with waterlogging
- Frost
- Moderate frost
- Water
- Some dry spells
- Coast
- Sheltered coastal gardens
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed and cuttings
Pruning
Cut just behind spent flower spikes to keep it dense.
Care
Water through long dry spells. Usually trouble-free.
Where it comes from
- Native to
- New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria
- Natural range
- Eastern Australia, often along creeks, in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.
Where to buy
Widely available.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Melaleuca citrina on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)