A medium bottlebrush with weeping habit and large fiery red brushes in spring and autumn. A robust, bird-attracting feature and informal screen for most climates.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 2.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Wildfire Bottlebrush
Callistemon 'Wildfire' is a fast-growing shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 3 m tall and 2.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in spring and autumn.
Where to grow Wildfire Bottlebrush
Wildfire 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
Wildfire 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 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Wildfire Bottlebrush does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Wildfire 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 Wildfire Bottlebrush in the garden
Wildfire Bottlebrush earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a fast screen or informal hedge and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate as Wildfire 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 Wildfire Bottlebrush
Plant Sale lists Wildfire Bottlebrush as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
