Callistemon sieberi (Alpine Bottlebrush)

Fast-growing, Callistemon sieberi (Alpine Bottlebrush) is a bushy evergreen shrub adorned with pendulous branches densely clothed with small, dark green leaves, which emerge pale silvery pink. Dense spikes of creamy-yellow flowers, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), bloom from late spring to midsummer. Flowering is prolific and long-lasting.

Fast-growing, Callistemon sieberi (Alpine Bottlebrush) is a bushy evergreen shrub adorned with pendulous branches densely clothed with small, dark green leaves, which emerge pale silvery pink. Dense spikes of creamy-yellow flowers, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), bloom from late spring to midsummer. Flowering is prolific and long-lasting. The blooms are a copious source of nectar for birds and hummingbirds. Easy to grow and adaptable, Alpine Bottlebrush is perfect for the mixed border, as a screen or informal hedge, or for pond edges and bog gardens. A good choice for colder areas.

  • Grows up to 3-6 ft. tall and wide (90-180 cm).
  • Easily grown in acidic, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. This plant is not fussy about soil texture, structure or pH. Tolerates severe seasonal waterlogging and inundation, poor and acidic soils, poor drainage, dry periods, frost, wind, and fire. Drought tolerant but performs best with regular irrigation.
  • Great for foundations, Mediterranean gardens, or as an unclipped hedge.
  • Virtually disease-free and pest-free. Watch for glasshouse red spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects when grown under glass. Deer resistant.
  • Plants should be tip-pruned regularly when young to encourage a bushy habit. When they have reached the desired size they can be headed back once a year to promote new growth.
  • Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Native to Australia

Requirements

Hardiness 7
– 11

Heat Zones 10
– 11

Climate Zones 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Callistemon – Bottlebrushes, Melaleuca
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 3'
– 6'
(90cm
– 180cm)
Spread 3'
– 6'
(90cm
– 180cm)
Spacing 36″
– 72″
(90cm
– 180cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants Australia
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Hedges and Screens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Coastal Garden, Mediterranean Garden