Green John™ Bottlebrush

Green John Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis 'LJ23') is a compact native shrub bred by Ozbreed for people who want the toughness of Little John with fresher colour and faster cover. It grows 60cm to 1m high and about 60cm wide, flushes light green new growth that sits brightly against the older dark foliage, and carries red brush flowers from September to November. It is also highly resistant to myrtle rust, the disease that disfigures so many older bottlebrushes.

Why you'll love it

• Two tone foliage. Light green new growth over mature dark green leaves gives the plant colour all year, not just in flower, and contrasts well with darker shrubs such as Better John.
• Denser and faster than Little John. It fills its space and closes a low hedge sooner, without losing the compact habit.
• Highly myrtle rust resistant. New growth stays clean where other callistemons blister and drop leaves.
• Feeds the garden. Red spring flowers bring honeyeaters and bees, and the plant is not toxic to cats or dogs.
• Drought and cold tolerant. Once established it handles dry summers and frosty winters alike.

Where it works best

Low hedges and borders. Plant 40cm to 50cm apart in a single row, two to two and a half plants per metre. At that spacing it closes into a tidy knee high hedge within two seasons.

Mass planting. Set 50cm apart in offset rows, three to six plants per square metre, for a drift of fresh green that turns red in spring. Verges, car parks and roadside batters are its natural home, though it stays smaller in those hard conditions.

Contrast and specimen planting. One plant in a native bed, or a run of them against dark foliage, is how Ozbreed intends it to be used.

Growing Green John Bottlebrush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, with the most flower and the tightest habit in sun. It is recommended for Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia, so tropical, subtropical, temperate, Mediterranean and inland gardens all suit it.

Soil. Sandy to well drained soils suit it best. On heavy clay, plant on a slight mound and work compost through the bed so water drains away from the roots.

Water and feed. Water as required for the first 8 to 13 weeks until established, then only through long dry spells. Mulch with a chunky mulch and, if the plant looks hungry, use a low phosphorus native slow release fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Trim after the spring flowers finish. Every two years keeps a hedge tidy; every three to four years is enough for a natural shape. It reaches its full 1m with that care.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Green John Bottlebrush in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. The 140mm plants are the economical choice for a hedge or mass planting and catch up quickly in warm soil; the 200mm plants give a border presence in the first season. Plants travel upright and push new light green growth within four to six weeks in the warmer months.

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

• Our callistemon care guide
• Browse the full callistemon range
• See every Ozbreed plant we stock
• More hedging and screening plants

Common questions

How is it different from Little John?

Green John grows denser and faster, its new growth is a lighter green, and it is highly resistant to myrtle rust. Little John stays a little smaller and darker.

How far apart should I plant it for a hedge?

Plant 40cm to 50cm apart in a single row. Closer planting does not close the gap much faster and crowds the plants at the base.

Will it survive frost?

Yes. It tolerates cold and drought once established and is recommended for Tasmania and the ACT as well as the warmer states.