Red Bottle Brush Melaleuca citrina

Crimson Bottle Brush is a broadleaf evergreen, perennial shrub or small tree in the myrtle family that is native to Australia and South Wales. In its native habitat, it can reach 10 to 15 feet high with a similar width and is often grown as a hedge. However, it is more commonly trained as a 3 to 5 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide shrub. The yellow or red flowers occur in long bottle brush-looking clusters in spring and again in fall. There are several cultivars available with different colored flowers. Leaves have a lemony scent when bruised. The genus name comes from the Greek melas meaning black and leukos meaning white because the trees often have a black trunk and white branches. The species name means "related to citrus", referring to the fragrant leaves.

Crimson Bottle Brush prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils in full sun and established plants are drought tolerant. It is winter hardy down to 20 or 25 degrees F. (USDA Zones 9-10), but would need winter protection in Zone 8. It may be difficult to find for sale.

Crimson Bottle Brush is also listed under a synonym, the older name for the genus, Callistemon. These plants are very tolerant of pruning and old plants will regenerate if pruned back hard into the old wood. The plant has a moderate growth rate moving from a large shrub to small multiple-trunked tree that with patient pruning, can be trained as a single trunk small tree.

The species M. citrina does best on the coast of North Carolina. The species M. rigidus has had more success in the Piedmont. It can be grown in containers and overwintered indoors in a bright cool sun room or greenhouse if conditions require.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known insect or disease problems. Watch for spider mites and scale, particularly on indoor plants. Leaf yellowing can occur when the soil is high in alkaline or salt.