Callistemon viminalis 'Little John'

A dwarf, evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub that grows to around 1.5m tall and wide.

A dense, rounded shrub with red bottlebrush flowers that bloom from summer to autumn. These flowers contrast well with dark green/grey foliage.

Callistemons are reliable plants that tolerate a wide range of conditions and soils. They grow easily, thriving in sunny positions and all soil types. Most are frost hardy in Auckland.

Always choose healthy, well-grown plants. Callistemons may be planted any time of the year, provided they are watered in dry periods. Dig a hole in the ground twice the size of the root ball. Before planting, ensure that the root-ball is saturated and remove the planter pot with minimal root disturbance. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and forming raised beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. As soil is placed in the prepared hole, tread firmly to bring soil in close contact with the root ball. Water thoroughly, making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root ball.

Apply mulch annually to discourage weed growth and help maintain moisture. Organic materials, such as sawdust and bark, contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Avoid mulching near the main trunk. Feed in spring with general fertiliser (50g/m2), which should be sprinkled evenly and worked into the top 2-3cm of the soil, unless on very fertile soils. The first summer and autumn after planting are critical for young plants, so water thoroughly during dry periods. The root ball may dry out despite the surrounding soil being moist. When this occurs, directly water down the plant stem to saturate the root ball. Prune by removing spent flower heads to maintain a desirable shape and promote new growth.

Attracts birds, bees and other insect pollinators.

Bottlebrushes are very susceptible to parasitic root-knot nematodes. There is little a homeowner can do to treat nematodes. Thick layers of mulch have been shown to suppress nematode populations. Keep up good garden management practices, including proper irrigation and pruning, to produce a healthy plant with better resistance. In the long run, if the bottlebrush has high levels of nematodes (nematodes can't be seen by the naked eye, but the swellings on the roots produced by the nematodes can) it is best to remove the tree and replant with a different, more resistant species.

Auckland Border

This plant was selected as a chance seedling in the 1980s by Ken Dunstan of Alstonville New South Wales. It was the 1986 Shrub of the Year in Australia and was originally introduced as a plant that only grew to 3 feet tall. Older plants can now be found in cultivation are typically 4 to 5 feet, with plants at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes California exceeding 8 feet in height.