One of the most popular plants that gained popularity, because of how colorful yet bristly its blooms are, is the bottlebrush. It is a great plant to grow in your garden as you can enjoy its colorful blooms the entire summer.
Aside from having really attractive blooms and flowers, growing bottlebrush trees is also beneficial since its bright red flowers, along with its sweet nectar, have the ability to attract pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Bottle brush also has dwarf varieties that work as effective borders surrounding flower beds and gardens.
Moreover, you can choose to grow its tall varieties, like the weeping bottlebrush, that work effectively as shade trees. One more advantage of bottlebrush plants is that they are completely edible. You can use them in making tea or cooking dishes.
With the help of this article, you will learn more about the bottlebrush tree , how you can grow it, and enjoy its benefits.
Quick Facts About the Bottle Brush Plant
- Genus: Callistemon
- Family: Myrtaceae
- Type of plant: Evergreen flowering ornamental shrub
- Height and spread: Up to 25 feet and 15 feet respectively
- Maintenance: Low
- Water requirements: Low
- Color of flower or foliage: White, red, blue-green, yellow-green, silver, green
- Bloom time: All summer long and spring
- Sun exposure: Full sun
- Soil pH: 5.6 to 7.5
- Type of soil: Loamy; well-draining
- Time needed to mature: Up to 2 years
- Hardiness zones: USDA zones 8 to 11
- Tolerance: Drought and heat
Bottlebrush Plant (Callistemon Spp) Overview
As part of the genus, Callistemon, and the Myrtaceae family, the bottlebrush tree has a few similarities with the paperbark melaleucas, which also features flower spikes with the same shape as the bottlebrush. This also has what looks like a “brush”, which consists of a set of separate blooms.
It has long filaments that got its color from the pollen forming its tip. It is the filament of the bottle brush that provides it with its unique and distinctive shape that often showcases the color of either yellow or red.
You will also notice the bottlebrush tree holding red flower spikes with bright and yellow pollen accentuating them. One great thing about the bottlebrush is that it does not only have attractive flowers. It is also capable of producing small fruits with hundreds of seeds within them.
You can see its woody fruits forming along the plant’s stems in groups or clusters. Growing it will also make you discover that it has seeds that will not be released right away. What happens, instead, is that they will fall only once the fruits open, often after a year.
As for its natural habitat, take note that it is native to Southeastern and Eastern Australia. The bottlebrush is also abundant along the tropical north and temperate south in Australia.
Bottle Brush Tree Varieties
The following are the most common bottlebrush varieties that a gardener can grow:
Crimson bottlebrush
Also known for its common names common red and lemon bottlebrush, the crimson bottlebrush variety produces a lemon scent if you crush its leaves. Growing this variety will let you enjoy its growth that can reach up to 3 to 25 feet tall. It is also a good choice because it is drought-resistant and deer-resistant.
Prickly bottlebrush
You will immediately notice this variety because it comes in the form of prickly-leaved bottlebrush shrubs. These shrubs grow a max of 10 feet. It features spiky red flowers that also have bright yellow pollen. Expect this bottlebrush large shrub variety to thrive and survive in dry and warm climates.
Weeping bottlebrush
One prominent feature of the weeping bottlebrush is its drooping or weeping branch. If you wish to grow this variety, take note that it can reach up to 35 feet tall. It also prefers to be in sandy and loamy soil type.
Stiff bottlebrush
This variety likes to be in well-drained and acidic soil. It boasts a growth of around 10 to 20 feet tall. It is deer-resistant and known for its hardiness when dealing with certain diseases and pests.
White bottlebrush
Also called willow bottlebrush, white bottlebrush boasts of its brush-like and white flowers. It is a good choice if you are looking for a tree variety that you can use for landscaping and hedges. Note that this requires a bit of pruning and has shrubs that can grow a max of 25 feet tall.
Climate and Location Requirements
If you are seriously thinking of making the bottlebrush tree a part of your garden, then you have to research first the plant’s specific requirements. That way, you will be able to supply this type of tree with everything it needs to survive.
Temperature and Light
As a native plant to Australia, which is known for its subtropical and tropical climate, it is safe to assume that the bottlebrush can survive when grown in a warm place. In most cases, it can grow if it is in an area with a temperature of around 50 to 90 degrees F.
If you are in a place with cold winters, it is advisable to grow bottlebrush plants in a container. This makes it easier for you to move the container inside your house once the temperature starts to drop. A very mild climate can support its healthy growth.
As for its light requirements, keep in mind that it is fond of being under the full sun. A sunny location is, therefore, what it needs to produce plenty of striking blooms or flowers. It should be in a garden area that receives direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours daily.
Soil
Bottlebrush shrubs and trees require moist yet well-drained soil capable of maintaining a damp condition. Also, remember that excessive amounts of water can result in root rots. In that case, you have to add one layer of mulch, like pine straw or hay to lessen water evaporation.
One nice thing about this plant is its ability to withstand occasional drought. Ensure that the potting soil you are using is rich in alkaline. Add compost to enrich your chosen soil, too.
Water
The drought-tolerant nature of the bottlebrush means that it is not that difficult to meet its watering requirements. Take note, though, that during its young age, you need to give it sufficient amounts of water.
If there is only occasional rain, it is highly encouraged to water the plant once weekly during the summer and early spring. It also helps to add one layer of mulch to keep the soil moist. Avoid overwatering as it may cause root rot.
If you are growing it in a large pot, ensure that there is appropriate drainage to prevent that from happening. You can also promote drainage in your potted plants if you add the builder’s sand into the mix.
Planting Locations
The best planting location for your bottlebrush is one that allows it to receive a minimum of six to eight hours of sunlight daily. You have to pick a bright location for it. It is also advisable for the place to have loamy soil, though, this plant can still grow in any surface.
You just have to ensure that there is compost. Your chosen location also needs to be well-draining. Improve drainage by adding compost. You can also do mulching, which promotes proper and good drainage.
Propagation of the Bottlebrush
Now that you know what you specifically need to grow bottlebrush plants, it is time to work on propagating it. The good news is that you have several options in terms of propagation. You can choose one depending on which one you feel comfortable doing:
Seed
It is actually easy to propagate the bottlebrush from seed. All you have to do is to take one unopened fruit then place it inside a dry paper bag. Put the dry paper bag in a spot that is warm and let it stay there until it releases the seed.
When that happens, sowing the seeds should come next. You can do that with the help of a well-draining seed mix. It would be best to sow seeds during the summer and spring.
Cutting
Cutting propagation is also possible with the bottle brush. You can do that with the help of a clean and sterilized pruner. Use this pruner in taking cuttings of around six inches from the semi-mature wood during the summer season.
Pinch off its green leaves – the ones you can find at the lower part of the cuttings. You also have to take out the flower buds. After that, prepare a rooting hormone powder where you can easily dip the bottle brush cutting.
You should then use a rooting soil where you can stick the cutting. One thing to note about this move is that there is a high chance for the cuttings to root better if you put them in a small greenhouse with the help of a plastic box or plastic bag.
Planting and Care
Now, it is time for you to plant the bottle brush. The first thing you should do is to prepare the soil. You can do the preparation if you loosen the surface several inches deep. You should then add moisture to the top. Ensure that your chosen planting location or area also boasts proper drainage.
As for the actual planting process, here are the things you should do:
Gather the seeds
Harvest or collect these seeds from a bottle brush tree that is already existing. You can get the seeds within the plant’s woody fruits. Collect the seeds from these fruits after storing them in a paper bag for several days. It is also possible to get seeds from your trusted local nursery.
Prepare the soil
Take note that the seeds will work their best when fresh. Sow seeds into the garden soil you have prepared directly. Alternatively, you can germinate the seeds using a small pot – after which, you can transplant them into a bigger pot later.
Sow seeds directly onto the soil’s surface
As for the watering requirements during planting, make sure that you do it right after you have sown the seeds. Make sure that the soil and seeds remain warm during the entire germination period.
You can make that possible by putting a plastic cover on top of the tray. This should help in maintaining the heat. Wait for the seeds to sprout, which often happens within a couple of weeks.
Watering and Fertilizing Requirements
While a young and growing bottle brush tree needs to be watered regularly for proper growth, you have to remember that once it already matures and becomes established, it no longer requires a lot of water. This means you can reduce the watering frequency.
A wise tip is to water mature or older plants only after you notice that the surface has dried out slightly. It may also be helpful to add one layer of mulch – around two inches – to maintain the proper moisture. This can prevent you from overwatering plus it also aids in smothering weeds.
What about the fertilizer? Well, the answer is to fertilize the surface surrounding your bottlebrush using at least one layer of compost. The best time to do this, whether you are using an organic or chemical fertilizer, would be after the plant’s second spring of growth.
Before applying the fertilizer, make sure to move any mulch in the soil aside. The organic matter should also be kept several inches away from the plant’s stems. You may also use the appropriate liquid fertilizer for this plant.
Pruning and Maintenance
Growing bottle brush tree also requires you to learn everything about its maintenance. One of the most important things related to the bottlebrush plant care and maintenance is pruning. Note it is a requirement for you to prune the bottle brush tree every now and then.
The best time for pruning the bottlebrush tree is right after the flower blossoms come out or emerge. To do that, deadhead any spent bottlebrush blooms you see. Pruning the flower blooms lightly is essential, too.
Trim the branches inside then take out all the woody or dead stems you see from the plant. By doing regular pruning, you have a guarantee that your garden area’s interior will receive a lot of sun.
Common Pests and Diseases
Despite being low-maintenance, be aware that the bottle brush tree is still prone to get exposed to pests and plant diseases – among which are the following:
Root-knot nematodes
This is a parasitic nematode, which usually invades and attacks bottlebrush trees. When it attacks, expect the tree’s health to decline slowly. A few signs that there are root-knot nematodes are swollen roots, yellowing leaves, and wilting.
The plants also look dry even when there is sufficient moisture. Suppress the presence of these unwanted root-knot nematodes by putting on a thick mulch. You can add several inches of pine needles or shredded bark around your bottle brush plant.
It is also advisable to give the plant proper growth conditions. You can do that by watering it properly and pruning regularly.
Sawflies
The presence of sawflies is also a threat to your shrub as they can decimate its entire foliage quickly. Get rid of these larvae called sawflies by hand. You can also stop major sawfly infestation on the shrub by applying neem oil.
Scale
Scaled are insects that gather in groups so they can feed on the sap present in the leaves and twigs of your plant. These scale insects also have the ability to create honeydew, which is a sticky substance capable of attracting ants while eventually causing sooty mold.
Kill the scale by putting on some horticultural oil, like neem oil to the bark and foliage. You can also deal with it by applying insecticidal soaps to the affected parts.
Powdery mildew
Your bottlebrush trees are also at risk of experiencing powdery mildew, which is a white coating affecting the foliage. In most cases, powdery mildew comes out because of excessive moisture, so it is necessary to water only when needed. You should also stop overhead watering.
If powdery mildew is already existing, you can deal with it using organic techniques. You can control it by putting on some baking soda or milk on the leaves.
Sooty mold
This refers to a fungal disease, which looks like dark spots appearing on the plant’s leaves and bark. The problem with this disease is that it can block sunlight, thereby stopping the photosynthesis process.
If the case of sooty mold is not that intense or extensive, it is possible to wash off its black coating. This is possible with the help of some water and soap.
Verticillium wilt
This refers to a fungal disease. It can cause the foliage of your plant to wilt and get discolored. There is also a high chance for the branches and leaves of your plant to die because of it.
What you should do to deal with this disease is to get rid of and destroy all the affected foliage and branch immediately. It also helps to move your bottlebrush shrub into another location.
Harvesting and Use
If your goal is to harvest and collect the seeds from the bottle brush tree, then the best way to do it is to ensure that the flowers remain intact even after you see them fading. The reason is that this is the particular flower stalk where you can expect the seed pods to grow.
Expect pollinated flower stalks to create seed heads full of several seed pods. At first, they are greenish but there is a high chance that they become hardened and dark brown eventually.
Once you notice that the plant reaches the hardened and brown stage, cover the top with a paper bag then tie the bag securely using a rubber band. Wait slightly longer before cutting off the stem beneath the seedhead.
Allow it to dry out completely. You will also notice the seed pods opening on their own provided you put them in a dry and nice place. It is also possible to release the seeds you intend to collect or harvest into the bag by giving it a good shake.
Uses of the Bottlebrush
Once it is time to harvest the bottlebrush, you will be delighted to know that it has a lot of uses. You can even use this plant for ornamental purposes or medicinal use. This makes it all the more important to give your bottlebrush proper plant care and attention.
Ornamental
No one can deny that bottlebrush shrubs and plants are indeed attractive. This means you can use it for ornamental purposes. You can use eye-catching scrubs to beautify your landscape.
What’s even better is that it can also attract pollinators, like hummingbirds, to your garden once your plants showcase their beautiful blooms and flowers. Another way to take advantage of the ornamental effect of a bottlebrush is to use its dense foliage for hedges. This is also a good move as it can add nice and dazzling colors to the area.
You can also use it for lining the walkway or driveway. You can also put them beneath the window to act as foundation plants. One more thing that you can do is to use container bottlebrush plants as focal points on your patio or deck.
Medicinal
Regardless of the size, you can expect bottlebrush trees to have a high medicinal value. Among the different means for using bottlebrush for medicinal purposes are the following:
- As an antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-fungal solution
- Suppresses cough
- Acts as a diuretic, which helps prevent bed-wetting, urinary tract problems, and incontinence
- Helps treat skin infections and gastrointestinal issues when taken as a tea
- Provides a lot of energy, making it really useful as an energy drink
- Can be made into an essential oil, which you can use to achieve healing, peace, and tranquility
- Good for those with tuberculosis, kidney infections, hemorrhoids, and ulcers
- Allows the infusion of flowers and leaves, so you can turn them into tea, syrups, and jams
Conclusion
Growing and caring for the bottlebrush is not that hard. All it takes is for you to understand what its requirements for growth are, like adequate but not excessive watering, loamy and well-drained soil, and adequate full sunlight. It also needs to be in a warm and dry location.
By growing bottlebrush, you will be able to enjoy your garden as you will have a plant that can provide you with several benefits. For one, it acts as a sort of attraction for a lot of pollinators. They are also undeniably attractive, adding a nice pop of color and beauty to your garden or any other place you decide to put them.
Bottlebrush plants are also beneficial in the sense that you can use them for cooking, making tea, and for medicinal purposes. Now that you know the many benefits of the bottlebrush and how great it really is, it is highly recommended to start your project of growing it, especially if you are into gardening.
To learn more about the bottlebrush and how to grow it properly and enjoy its blooms and flowers in the summer and spring, check out these other sources of information: