(Lemon Bottlebrush)
SIZE: Small (Height: 15-20'; Spread: 15')
GROWTH RATE: Moderate.
FOLIAGE: Medium green, narrow leaves, 3" long. New foliage is bronze or copper. Flower/Fruit/Bark: Bright red flower clusters, 4-6" long, in characteristic Òbottlebrush" shape, bloom in late winter and in summer in cycles throughout year. Small brown seed capsules, _" across, form year-round and hang from branches. Rough, shredding gray-brown bark.
FLOWER/FRUIT/BARK: Bright red flower clusters, 4-6" long, in characteristic "bottlebrush" shape, bloom in late winter. Small brown seed capsules, 1/4" across, form year-round and hang from branches. Rough gray-brown bark.
MONTHLY WATERING NEEDS: In general, 15-20 gallons per week for the first 2 years; 15-20 gallons twice a month for the 3rd year; as needed after 3 years (varies by soil, sun, and wind conditions).
TREE CARE: Low. Early pruning will train a good shape; regular pruning needed less frequently with age.
TOLERANCES: Drought, poor drainage, any soil, salt air; gusty, steady, or cold winds; smog, fog, cold. Sun or shade. (Show of flowers stronger with sun.) Special Considerations: Dropped flower parts leave sticky nectar.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Dropped flower parts leave sticky nectar.
NOTABLE TRAITS: Native to Australia. Spectacular when in full bloom. Very tough tree. Good tree for small spaces; 2'x3' basins; beneath overhead wires. Disease and pest resistant. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Dense canopy attracts other birds as well.
ALTERNATE FORMS: Often confused with Callistemon viminalis, a taller growing tree that has similar flowers, and a more weeping appearance.