Prostrate One-sided Bottlebrush

Prostrate One-sided Bottlebrush (Calothamnus quadrifidus 'Prostrate') is a low native shrub, 50cm high and spreading about 2m, with fine green foliage and bright red bottlebrush flowers that sit along one side of the stem. It flowers in spring and summer and draws honeyeaters. It suits rockeries, slopes and sunny groundcover plantings, especially in drier gardens.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers with a difference. The red brushes grow along one side of the stem, which gives them a more sculptural look than a standard bottlebrush.
• Months of red. Bright blooms appear in spring and summer against fine green foliage.
• Low and spreading. At 50cm high and 2m wide it covers ground, softens edges and helps hold soil on a slope.
• A honeyeater favourite. Nectar-feeding birds visit the flowers, so it earns its place in a wildlife garden.
• Built for dry gardens. Once settled it handles summer drought, coastal weather and light frosts.

Where it works best

Groundcover. Plant 1m apart to knit into a continuous cover of fine foliage within a few seasons. Mulch the gaps while the plants fill in.

Rockeries and slopes. The low, spreading habit drapes over rocks and banks and adds a bold splash of red where little else will grow. Choose a sunny, free draining position.

Native and cottage gardens. It sits comfortably in native, wildlife and cottage-style plantings, where its colour and texture contrast with softer perennials.

Growing Prostrate One-sided Bottlebrush in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun or part shade. It comes from south western Western Australia and suits dry or temperate gardens, handling coastal weather, light frosts and summer drought once settled. In humid subtropical districts, pick an open, free draining spot with plenty of air movement.

Soil. Well drained soil is the key. It grows best in sandy or loamy soils but adapts to clay if the drainage is good, so on heavy ground plant on a raised mound.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks, then it copes with summer drought. Fertilise with a slow release native fertiliser in spring and autumn.

Pruning. Prune once a year after flowering to improve density and encourage more flowers next season. Cut back to just above this year's growth and avoid cutting into old woody stems.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Prostrate One-sided Bottlebrush as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Tubes are the economical choice for a groundcover planting, while the 140mm pots give a stronger first season. Plants travel upright and settle in within a few weeks in warm soil.

Our grower supplies the tubes, and they are not always available. A tube shows as sold out when the grower has none, and the notify button on this page emails you 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

• More groundcover plants
• Plants for rockeries
• More Australian native plants
• Native plants with red flowers

Common questions

Why is it called one-sided?

The flower brushes grow along one side of the stem rather than all the way around it, which is how the group gets its common name.

How far apart should I plant it as a groundcover?

About 1m apart. Each plant spreads to roughly 2m, so they meet within a few seasons.

Will it grow in clay?

Yes, if the drainage is good. It prefers sandy or loamy soil, so on clay plant it on a raised mound where water cannot sit around the roots.