Callistemon 'Little John'

A compact, evergreen dwarf bottlebrush prized for its vivid blood-red flower spikes and neat, slow-growing form. This Australian native shrub produces narrow blue-green foliage and showy blooms from spring through autumn, attracting birds and beneficial insects.

Key Features

• Dimensions: 90cm H × 1.2–1.5m W
• Growth Habit: Dense, compact, rounded evergreen shrub
• Foliage: Narrow, blue-green to grey-green aromatic leaves
• Flowers & Fruits: Blood-red bottlebrush flower spikes mainly spring to autumn, often year-round in mild climates
• Position: Full sun; tolerates some part shade
• Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy, loam, or clay soils; neutral to slightly acidic pH
• Maintenance: Prune lightly after flowering to maintain density, feed with a low-phosphorus native fertilizer in spring; low water needs once established

Uses

Ideal for borders, low hedges, rockeries, mass plantings, small gardens, containers, and native landscaping. Excellent for attracting birds and providing vibrant color in compact spaces.

Climate Suitability

Native to Australia and well-suited to temperate regions including Ballarat, VIC, NSW, ACT, TAS, SA, and parts of southern WA. Drought tolerant, frost hardy once established, and thrives in both city and coastal gardens.

Fun Fact

Despite its slow growth, 'Little John' can live for decades, building vibrant color into small spaces and low-maintenance gardens with minimal care needs.