Callistemon Rigidus 'Clemson Hardy'' is a fast and moderate growing shrub and tree that can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7A through 11. It matures to an average height of 8 feet to 12 feet and an average width of 6 feet to 8 feet, depending on climate and other environmental factors. It prefers growing in a location that provides full sun and grows best when planted in sand, loam, clay or silt soil that is well drained. In the spring Red Cluster Bottlebrush produces red flowers. The foliage is dark green in color. It attracts butterflies, visual attention and songbirds / birds and is resistant to deer, drought, insects, diseases and heat.

Red Cluster Bottlebrush can be useful in the landscape in foundation plantings, in containers or planters, as a background, in shrub borders, as a focal point, in landscape beds or islands, to frame the corners of a home or other building, in small groupings or as a tree form shrub and also in rock or xeriscape gardens, butterfly gardens or perennial gardens.

More about Red Cluster Bottlebrush...

Noteworthy Characteristics

Red Cluster is a hardy bottlebrush that can tolerate temperatures down to zero degrees, and is listed to grow in USDA Zones 7a-11. The unusual, eye-catching, bright red flower spikes, which are shaped like a bottle brush appear on and off all year - more in warmer months - and attract hummingbirds and butterflies!

Uses

Red Cluster Bottlebrush can be grown as a large shrub or an attractive small tree. As a shrub it lends itself well to hedges and screens, in groupings, or as an accent, corner plant or espalier (flat aginst a wall) in foundation plantings. When "limbed up" to form a small tree, it serves well as a single specimen in foundation plantings and landscape beds or in small groupings in landcape beds. Great for the hummingbird or butterfly garden!

Culture & Care Tips

Prefers a well-drained moist soil rich in organic matter and full to mostly sun. Fertilize with a well-balanced shrub and tree fertilizer in spring, summer and fall in Zones 9 and 10 and just spring and summer in zones further north. When there is extended drought, bottlebrushes will appreciate regular watering. Pruning is not necessary, however the plant responds well to heavy pruning in early spring - when up to 1/3 of the plant can be removed to encourage a more dense plant. Give it a good drink at least an hour prior to doing any hard pruning.

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