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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in. For a screen, space plants about 1.8 m apart.
Watering & feeding
Scarlet Kunzea handles dry conditions well once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. For the first year, favour occasional deep watering over frequent shallow drinks so roots move into the surrounding soil.
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. Its ongoing care level 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
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same very drought tolerant and Mediterranean climate as Scarlet Kunzea. 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 Scarlet Kunzea
Plant Sale lists Scarlet Kunzea as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
