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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 60 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Little John Bottlebrush performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
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. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate as Little John Bottlebrush. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate. 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. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
