Callistemon Rigidus

Callistemon rigidus is a stiff upright shrub native to Australia. It reaches 2-2.5 m in height and 2.5-3 m in spread at maturity. It is characterized by red flower spikes that are shaped like bottle brushes. The flower spikes appear in the spring and summer. The persistent fruits are hard seed capsules grow around the stem. The narrow leaves of this shrub are sharply pointed and fragrant when crushed. The stems continue to grow after the flowers and seed capsules, so they are not necessarily at the terminal. So there will be foliage, flower or seed capsules and then foliage again. Bottlebrush can be trained to grow into a small, multi-trunk tree. The plant can function as a nice specimen, patio, and container plant. It attacks butterflies and hummingbirds.It requires a full sun position in the landscape and well-drained soils. It is heat and drought tolerant but will not tolerate overwatering. It has a serious stem disease causing a witches broom shape.