Little John Dwarf Bottlebrush | Large Gallon Size Plants | Callistemon

With its lower spreading habit, this hummingbird magnet fits into any garden. Use as a foundation cover-up in drought tolerant gardens or as middle-of-the-border accent plants. Line up several for a hedge or mass them like groundcover in very hot planting areas where other plants wilt. Ideal for desert landscapes. Blood red, bottlebrush-like flower spikes cover this dwarf evergreen shrub from spring into summer. In warm, temperate regions, it will continue to bloom intermittently throughout the year. A densely branched habit with blue-green leaves that have a citrus scent when crushed. The versatile compact size is perfect for today's smaller gardens. Thrives in average, lightly acidic, well-drained soil; avoid alkaline soils. Water deeply, regularly during first growing season to establish an extensive root system; reduce frequency once established. More drought tolerant in coastal areas; less tolerant in hot, arid regions. Apply fertilizer in early spring. Prune to shape after flowering. This dwarf bottlebrush shrub has blue-green foliage and releases deep red bottlebrush-shaped flowers from spring into summer. In warmer climates, the blooms can reappear throughout the year. When the leaves are crushed, it creates a citrus fragrance. This shrub slowly grows to be 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Provide well-drained soil, rich in organic matter.