• Small Border
• Small Hedge
• Blooming Shrub

• Category: Trees & Shrubs
• Hardiness Zone: 8b
• Height: 3 Feet
• Spread: 3 Feet
• Spacing: 2-3 ft
• Bloom Color: Red

The Bottlebrush Tree originally hails from Australia, where it thrives in its native habitat. Its introduction to Texas landscapes has made it a beloved ornamental plant cherished for its vibrant blooms and lush foliage. Notably, when the foliage of the Bottlebrush Tree is crushed, it releases a pleasant citrus aroma, adding to its allure in the garden.

'Little John' Bottlebrush is a dwarf cultivar that produces striking crimson-red flower spikes that are more dense than the regular bottlebrush. The vibrant blooms start in late spring and early summer, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Each flower spike consist of numerous tiny individual flowers densely packed. Blooms last for several weeks to months.

While the dwarf bottlebrush adapts well to the diverse climates of Texas, gardeners should be mindful of its soil preferences, as it tends to prefer slightly acidic soil conditions. Additionally, providing fertilizer and mulch can promote healthy growth and enhance its overall vigor. However, in regions of central and north Texas where freezing temperatures are common, prolonged exposure to cold can damage its foliage and stems, and possibly killing it. A thick layer of mulch can ensure it returns after a heavy freeze, however it is very slow growing and will take years to reach the mature height again.