Photo credit: Michael Lemmon
Callistemon citrinus
The crimson bottlebrush is an easily grown shrub with spectacular crimson flowers that have a distinctive "bottlebrush" shape.
At the Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore's Druid Hill Park they can be found in the Mediterranean House and are now in full bloom. They are native to Australia and were introduced to Britain by naturalist Joseph Banks in 1789.
This woody plant reaches a height of 8 to 10 feet. Flowers grow from 1 to 6 inches in length and generally blooms n spring.
It does best in full sun and likes regular watering. Recommended for USDA zones 8-10. Can tolerate low temperatures but prefers a warm climate. They can be grown in pots but a greenhouse is best where freezing occurs.