How to Use a Bottlebrush Shrub in Landscaping

With a name like bottlebrush, it's easy to overlook the possibilities of this Australian native. However, the bottlebrush-shaped flowers present a brilliant color and texture not often seen in American gardens. Several species exist, although one in particular is more common in the United States: Callistemon citrinus. These subtropical plants make ideal accents for southern gardens and attract both hummingbirds and butterflies.

Before considering bottlebrush, ensure your landscape suits its needs. Bottlebrush grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, although zone 8 may be suitable for some species or cultivars if protected from frost. Many species prefer damp soils, although most mature bottlebrush specimens are drought-tolerant. These plants also tolerate a wide range of soils with the exception of heavily alkaline soils and poor-draining sites. Full sun produces the best color in these vibrantly hued plants.

Callistemon citrinus also goes by the common names crimson bottlebrush, red bottlebrush and lemon bottlebrush. The deep red flowers grow 2 to 4 inches long and appear throughout the year. Crimson bottlebrush grows 10 to 15 feet and has an equal spread; this species is commonly sold as a shrub, although you can train it into a small tree.

Uses for this common species include as a vigorous hedge, screen, deck accent or espalier specimen. This species is one that may perform well in USDA zone 8, though it's typically hardy in USDA zones 9 to 11.

Weeping bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis) grows 15 to 20 feet tall with an equal spread. Unlike crimson bottlebrush, the crown of weeping bottlebrush has an open, round and weeping form. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9b to 11.

This species is best used as a signature specimen in a large lawn, although it can also make an attractive screen. Because of its weeping form, you may need to prune the branches that overhang sidewalks, driveways or other areas.

Erect bottlebrush (Callistemon rigidus), also known as stiff bottlebrush, is an upright shrub with 4-inch-long flowers. Like crimson bottlebrush, this species has bright red flowers.

This species may perform well in southern parts of USDA zone 8, but it is labeled for USDA zones 9 through 11. Erect bottlebrush grows 5 to 15 feet tall and only 6 to 10 feet wide. Because of its vaselike shape, this species is an ideal specimen plant, screen or foundation plant.

The genus Callistemon contains 34 species and several cultivars ranging in size, shape and bloom color. While it may be difficult to find a large selection of bottlebrush varieties, a hunt through regional nurseries may reward you with an ideal specimen for nearly any landscaping use in southern areas.