Callistemon laevis 3L Callistemon laevis

Callistemon laevis is also known as the Scarlet Bottlebrush. This striking evergreen shrub has aromatic, lance-shaped leathery leaves for texture and year-round interest, however it is in late spring and summer that it becomes incredibly eye-catching as it produces the red bottlebrush-like flowers in abundance. The flowers are loved by pollinating insects including bees and offer an excellent source of nectar.

Callistemon laevis simply loves a sunny, sheltered spot, being an Australian native, and will thrive in a well-drained soil which is slightly neutral to acidic. It is drought tolerant when established and is a super choice for a mediterranean type garden or contemporary garden scheme.

Although Callistemon laevis can grow quite large, reaching a height and spread of up to 4m, it is often grown as a specimen plant in a large pot, where it can be moved and protected in winter from cold conditions and frosts. It needs only a little maintenance, trimming back of the spent flowers as long as you don't cut into old wood, and protecting of the roots from frost if planted in.