Callistemon citrinus Splendens (Crimson Bottlebrush)

Award-winning Callistemon citrinus 'Splendens' (Crimson Bottlebrush) is an evergreen shrub with arching branches clothed with lance-shaped leaves that emerge coppery before maturing to gray-green. The leaves release a lemony scent when bruised. Bright crimson bottlebrush-like flower spikes, 6 in. long (15 cm) bloom intermittently throughout the year in frost-free areas. The blooms are a copious source of nectar for birds and hummingbirds. They also make excellent cut flowers. An eye-catching specimen for a sunny shrub border.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
• Grows up to 3-25 ft. tall (180-750 cm) and 3-20 ft. wide (150-600 cm). Will grow to 15 ft. tall (4.5 m) in its native habitat and can also be trained as a tree to 25 ft. tall (7.5 cm). In northern climates, it is typically grown as a 3-5 ft. tall shrub or standard (90-150 cm).
• Easily grown in acidic, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Drought tolerant but performs best with regular irrigation.
• Great for foundations, wall-side borders, Mediterranean gardens, city gardens, or containers.
• Virtually disease-free and pest-free. Watch for glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects when grown under glass. Deer resistant.
• Prune immediately after flowering.
• Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings.