Callistemon
'Little John'Dwarf
Callistemon
or Dwarf Bottlebrush
Callistemon
'Little
John'
is a small but spectacular evergreen shrub which is great for attracting
hummingbirds. Of the family Myrtaceae
it is well known as Dwarf Callistemon or Dwarf Bottlebrush.
It is
easy to grow and loves warmth, moisture and sun. Callistemon
'Little
John' is native to Australia mostly growing in moist soil in open or woodland sites.
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Plant
Facts:
Common Name:
Callistemon 'Little John'
or Dwarf Bottlebrush
Botanical Name:
Callistemon
Family: Myrtaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen
Shrub
Origin: Australia
Zones: 9 - 11,
Sub-tropical, hardy to 20°F
Height: 3'
with 5' spread
Rate of Growth: Slow
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Soil Requirements:
Moderately
fertile, moist, but well-drained, neutral to acidic soil
Water Requirements: Water
freely spring to autumn, keep fairly dry in winter. Can withstand drought once
established.
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced
liquid fertilizer monthly, Top-dress in spring
Light Requirements: Full
sun to partial shade
Form:
Low Mounding Shrub, prune in
autumn after flowering, head back to control size and
form
Leaves: Sharp
pointed mid-green
Flowers: Grown
for their colorful, terminal or axillary, bottlebrush-like spikes of numerous,
long-stamened flowers in deep red
Fruits: Small
woody seed case
Pests:
Mostly worry-free
Uses: Shrub
border, water accent
Bad Habits: Pollen
is an Allergen
Cost: $$
- reasonable
Propagation:
Semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, surface sown seeds onto moist soil mix at
61-64°F in spring.
Sources:
American Horticultural Society A to Z Encyclopedia of
Garden Plants,
The Subtropical Garden, Vila & Son
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