Crimson Bottlebrush Inferno
Striking, vibrant crimson flower spikes and glowing orange Autumn foliage make this evergreen shrub an impressive choice for adding an exotic touch to sheltered borders or sun-drenched patios. Throughout late Spring and Summer, the branches are topped with dramatic, bristle-like blooms that resemble classic bottle brushes, providing a rich source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. As Autumn approaches, the narrow, stiff foliage transitions to warm, fiery orange tones before settling into a deep green through the winter months. When crushed, the leaves release a delicate, refreshing citrus aroma. With a compact and manageable habit, Callistemon Inferno performs wonderfully as a focal point in Mediterranean-style gardens, sunny courtyard spaces, or grown in containers that can be easily moved to a bright, frost-free spot over the coldest months.
Site: Sheltered and warm, protect from drying North winds
Soils: Moist but well-drained acid or neutral soil
Position: Full sun
Season of interest: All year
Hardiness: Half-hardy from -1 to -5°C Needs frost protection
Height up to 5’ (1.2-1.5m) Spread to 2.5-3’ (75cm-1m) ~ at maturity
Image by pizzodisevo 1937 cropped and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Image 2 by Forest and Kim Starr cropped and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0