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. 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
Slim Bottlebrush does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
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
Combine Slim Bottlebrush with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. 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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
