A spreading WA shrub with fine foliage and brilliant bottlebrush-like scarlet flowers tipped with gold anthers in winter and spring. A showy, bird-attracting coastal feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 3 m H × 3 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Scarlet Kunzea
Kunzea baxteri is a shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Western Australia. It reaches around 3 m tall and 3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in winter and spring.
Where to grow Scarlet Kunzea
Scarlet Kunzea suits Mediterranean, warm-temperate and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Scarlet Kunzea does best in sandy 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 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Scarlet Kunzea is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. 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 Scarlet Kunzea 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 Scarlet Kunzea in the garden
Scarlet Kunzea earns its place for a feature or specimen planting, a fast screen or informal hedge and drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Scarlet Kunzea with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean 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 Scarlet Kunzea
Plant Sale lists Scarlet Kunzea 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 is available.