A dense dwarf bottlebrush with blue-green foliage and deep blood-red brushes through spring and intermittently year round. Ideal for low hedging and containers.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Little John Bottlebrush
Callistemon 'Little John' is a slow-growing shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Red flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Little John Bottlebrush
Little John Bottlebrush suits warm-temperate, subtropical and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds and is a genuinely water-wise choice.
Soil & planting
Little John Bottlebrush does best in free-draining and clay soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Little John Bottlebrush is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Little John Bottlebrush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Little John Bottlebrush in the garden
Little John Bottlebrush earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a fast screen or informal hedge and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Little John Bottlebrush with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Little John Bottlebrush
Plant Sale lists Little John Bottlebrush as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it lands.