A very narrow upright bottlebrush bred for tight spaces, with red brushes in spring and summer. Ideal for slim hedges and screening along fences and driveways.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Slim Bottlebrush
Botanically, Callistemon 'Slim' is a fast-growing shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 3 m tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Slim Bottlebrush
Slim Bottlebrush suits warm-temperate, subtropical and cool-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Slim Bottlebrush does best in clay and free-draining 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
Slim Bottlebrush is regular, moderate watering. 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 Slim 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 Slim Bottlebrush in the garden
Slim Bottlebrush earns its place for a fast screen or informal hedge, drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden and a windbreak.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Slim Bottlebrush with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Slim Bottlebrush
Plant Sale lists Slim 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.