Bottlebrush
Callistemon
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Sep 8, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Bottlebrush
Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) is an Australian evergreen shrub or small tree producing distinctive bright red, brush-like flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and pollinators. Note: avoid the weeping form Melaleuca viminalis, which is considered potentially invasive in Florida; Callistemon citrinus (Red Bottlebrush) is the recommended species for NE Florida landscapes, hardy in zones 9a–11. Starting at $12.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Bottlebrush thrives in full sun; at least 6 hours of direct sun daily produces the best bloom. It adapts to a wide range of NE Florida soils and tolerates reflected heat well.
Very drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during the first growing season, then reduce to occasional deep watering. Avoid waterlogged soils, which promote crown and root rot.
Tolerates sandy, loamy, or clay soils but requires good drainage; does not perform well in very alkaline or poorly drained sites. Fertilize lightly in spring with a balanced slow-release fertilizer to maintain dark green foliage and flower color.
Similar needs
Beautyberry
Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Plumeria
Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Canna Lily
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Ligustrum
Shares 6 of the same needs: full sun, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Bulbine Lily
Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Lanceleaf Coreopsis
Shares 7 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, salt tolerance, deer resistance, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Bottlebrush a good plant for St. Augustine?
Bottlebrush is a tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 3-15 feet × 8-12 feet (can be pruned smaller).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.