Fireball Asteromyrtus

Fireball Asteromyrtus (Asteromyrtus brassii 'Fireball') is a small, slender native tree from Cape York that grows to about 4m high and 3m wide. In winter and early spring it carries clusters of dense, deep red pompom flowers along its older branches, a burst of colour when most gardens are quiet.

Why you'll love it

• Deep red winter flowers. The pompoms are larger, denser and darker red than those of the species form, and they open along the older branches.
• Fine, weeping foliage. Long green leaves give a soft, bottlebrush-like effect that contrasts well with broad-leaved shrubs.
• A manageable size. At up to 4m by 3m it fits suburban gardens where a full-size tree would be too much.
• A wildlife plant. Nectar-rich flowers in the cooler months suit native and wildlife gardens, drawing in birds and insects.
• Handles humidity and dry spells. It tolerates humid conditions as well as dry ones once it has settled in.

Where it works best

Hedges and borders. Plant 1.5m apart for a loose, flowering hedge. At that spacing the canopies meet as the trees mature, while each one keeps its slender shape.

Native and wildlife gardens. Combine it with grevilleas, callistemons and other nectar plants for flowers across the seasons and plenty of bird activity.

Feature planting. One tree beside a path, window or entry puts the winter flowers where you can enjoy them close up.

Growing Fireball Asteromyrtus in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade suits it. Its home is tropical Cape York, so it is best in tropical and subtropical gardens, and it must be protected from frost. In cooler districts choose a warm, sheltered spot or grow it in a large pot that can be moved under cover.

Soil. Free draining soil is the main requirement. Mulch over the root zone to hold moisture while the plant is young.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it tolerates dry conditions. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring, using a native formula.

Pruning. It needs little pruning. For a hedge, trim lightly after the flowers finish to keep the growth dense, and take only soft tips.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Fireball Asteromyrtus as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly once planted into mulched, free draining soil. It arrives small, so it will not flower for a while, and a young plant benefits from a little protection from frost and wind in its first winter.

Availability of tube stock depends on our grower. A sold out tube simply means none is on hand right now, and the notify button on this page sends you an email the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Australian native trees
• Callistemons, a similar weeping bottlebrush look
• Hedging and screening plants
• Top bird attracting native plants

Common questions

How big will it get, and can I keep it smaller?

Up to about 4m high and 3m wide. If you grow it as a hedge you can hold it lower with light trimming just after flowering, which also keeps the foliage dense.

Will it grow in a cool southern garden?

It comes from tropical Cape York, so it needs protection from frost. In cold districts plant it in a sheltered, warm spot or grow it in a pot that can be moved under cover for winter.

When does it flower?

In winter and early spring. The red pompoms appear in clusters along the older branches rather than at the branch tips.