BOTTLEBRUSH

Red Bottlebrush trees (Callistemon citrinus and related species) are popular ornamental plants in Florida for their vibrant flowers, adaptability, and wildlife appeal. Here’s a comprehensive overview:

✅ Appearance & Characteristics

Flowers: Bright red, cylindrical spikes resembling a bottle brush; bloom heavily in spring and summer, and intermittently year-round in warm climates.
Leaves: Narrow, evergreen, often aromatic when crushed.
Form: Can be grown as a large shrub or trained into a small tree (single or multi-trunk).
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees.

✅ Size & Growth

Height: Typically 10–15 ft as a shrub; trained trees can reach 15–25 ft.
Spread: About 10–15 ft.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast—ideal for quick screening or accent planting.
USDA Zones: 8b–11 (thrives throughout Florida).
Cold Tolerance: Hardy to about 20°F; may suffer leaf damage in hard freezes but recovers.

✅ Care & Maintenance

Light: Full sun for best flowering.
Soil: Well-drained; tolerates sandy Florida soils.
Water: Drought-tolerant once established; water regularly during establishment.
Fertilizer: Apply balanced fertilizer in spring, summer, and fall; supplement with bone meal for heavy blooming.
Pruning: Light pruning anytime; heavy pruning in late winter/early spring to maintain shape and encourage dense growth.
Spacing: Plant 5 ft from structures; space 8 ft apart for rows.

✅ Salt & Drought Tolerance

Salt: Moderate to high—suitable for coastal areas but not direct beachfront.
Drought: Excellent once established; avoid waterlogging.

✅ Landscape Uses

Specimen Tree: Stunning focal point for gardens.
Privacy Screen or Hedge: Dense foliage makes it ideal for screening.
Accent Plant: Perfect for corners, entryways, or circular drives.
Pollinator Garden: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Container Planting: Works well in large pots for patios.

✅ Special Features

Evergreen: Provides year-round greenery.
Low Maintenance: Minimal care once established.
Florida-Friendly: Non-invasive and adaptable to local conditions.

⚠️ Things to Watch

Root Issues: Correct circling roots at planting to avoid decline.
Pests/Disease: Generally pest-free; occasional twig gall or scale.
Invasiveness: Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis) poses a risk in South Florida—use Red Bottlebrush for safety.