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Little John Bottlebrush

Callistemon citrinus 'Little John'

Little John Bottlebrush - Callistemon citrinus 'Little John'
Little John Bottlebrush - Callistemon citrinus 'Little John'
Little John Bottlebrush - Callistemon citrinus 'Little John'

Little John Bottlebrush

Callistemon citrinus 'Little John'

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  • Callistemon citrinus ‘Little John’, commonly known as Dwarf Bottlebrush, is a compact evergreen shrub that brings color, structure, and a bit of texture into the landscape without taking up too much space.
  • The foliage is a soft blue green, with narrow leaves that give it a slightly finer texture compared to larger bottlebrush varieties. It naturally forms a dense, rounded shape, which makes it easy to work into both formal and more relaxed designs.
  • The flowers are where it really stands out. Bright red, brush like blooms appear in spring and often again throughout the year, creating a strong contrast against the cooler toned foliage. They’re also a magnet for hummingbirds and pollinators.
  • Because of its size and form, it works well as a low shrub, in borders, or repeated throughout a planting for consistency. It holds its shape nicely, which makes it a good option when you want something structured but not overly rigid.
  • Callistemon ‘Little John’ grows best in full sun and prefers well drained soil. Once established, it is fairly drought tolerant and handles heat and coastal conditions well.
  • It typically stays around 2 to 4 feet tall and wide, forming a dense, compact mound. It is well suited for USDA zones 8 through 11 and is fairly adaptable in mild climates. The foliage is evergreen. 
  • This plant has low toxicity and is generally a safe choice for gardens with pets and children.
  • The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and are especially attractive to hummingbirds.
  • It is generally deer resistant, though occasional browsing may occur.
  • Callistemon ‘Little John’ fits especially well into Mediterranean, coastal, and modern garden designs, where its compact size and vibrant blooms can be used for structure and color.
  • Expert Tip:
  • I like using this as a low, semi formal hedge when I want something that holds a clean line but still feels a little softer than a traditional box hedge. If you keep it around that 2 to 3 foot range, it creates a really nice, consistent edge without feeling too rigid.
  • — Nick from Rooted Theory

Foliage: Evergreen
Water Needs: Low, Low to Moderate, Moderate
Form: Mound
Mature Width: 3-4'
Mature Height: 3-4'
USDA Zone: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b

Proper planting technique will help your plants thrive! Follow these simple steps to help your plants establish quickly, develop a strong root system, and live longer:

  • Properly dig the hole
  • Amend the soil to suit each particular plant
  • Place the plant and backfill the soil
  • Provide ample water for each particular plant
  • Review our how to plant guide!

For detailed information, please download our planting guides: