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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 1.5 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Wildfire 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 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. Overall it 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Wildfire Bottlebrush with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering 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 Wildfire Bottlebrush
Plant Sale lists Wildfire 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.