Little Caroline Bottlebrush

Little Caroline Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis 'Little Caroline') is a compact evergreen native that grows up to 90cm tall and 75cm wide. It carries brilliant red brush flowers from spring through summer, which birds are drawn to, over long, deep green leaves. It is a hybrid of 'Wildfire' and 'Little John', and a dependable low hedge or border plant.

Why you'll love it

• Colour for two seasons. The red brushes keep coming from spring through summer, a longer run than many dwarf natives.
• Deep green foliage. The leaves are long and dark green, giving a rich backdrop to the red flowers.
• Tidy and compact. At up to 90cm by 75cm it stays in scale with small gardens, borders and tubs.
• Soil is rarely an issue. It is hardy and easygoing, taking almost any soil in full sun or dappled shade.
• Good for birds. Birds visit for the nectar through the whole flowering season.

Where it works best

Low hedges. Plant 70cm apart for a neat, flowering low hedge. Prune the tips early to build a dense base.

Rockeries and borders. The compact habit sits well among stone and at the front of mixed native beds.

Large tubs. In a big pot of quality potting mix it will flower for years and give a red focal point on a patio.

Growing Little Caroline Bottlebrush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun is best, though it tolerates dappled shade. Bottlebrushes generally cope with frost down to about -5C, so it suits subtropical, warm temperate, cool temperate and Mediterranean gardens, including hot, dry and coastal positions.

Soil. Hardy and easygoing, with almost any garden soil suiting it. Good drainage helps in a pot.

Water and feed. Mulch the bed and keep the water up through the first 12 weeks while the plant settles. Feed with a slow release native fertiliser in spring.

Pruning. Prune the tips while the plant is young to encourage dense growth. After each flush of flowers, trim just behind the spent brushes to keep the shape neat.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Little Caroline Bottlebrush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10 and in 200mm pots in packs of 6. Tubes are the economical choice for a longer hedge, while the packs of potted plants give you a fuller line from the start. Plants travel upright and settle within a couple of weeks.

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

• Compare more bottlebrushes
• Our best hedging plants
• More bird attracting plants
• Top bird attracting natives for Australian gardens

Common questions

How big does it get?

Up to 90cm tall and 75cm wide. It is slightly taller than the smallest dwarf bottlebrushes, with longer and darker leaves.

When does it flower?

From spring through summer. The brilliant red brushes attract birds and bees throughout.

How should I prune it?

Tip prune while young to build density. After each flush of flowers, trim just behind the spent brushes before seed capsules form.