This colorful bloomer will bring the dramaand the hummingbirds!
Those with pliant branches can be grown as informal espaliers.
Many grow quickly to 10 or 15 feet tall, while other varieties only grow to 3 feet.
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Bottlebrush can be severely damaged in freezing temperatures.
Plant bottlebrush in well-drained soil in full sun in Coastal and Tropical South gardens.
To plant, dig a hole two or three times wider than the rootball.
Credit:Southern Living/Valerie de Leon
First, amend the soil you’ve dug up to improve drainage if needed.
Replace the soil around the plant and water deeply.
Spreadmulcharound the new plant.
Credit:Southern Living/Valerie de Leon
Light
Bottlebrush needsfull sun, or at least six hours every day, to bloom.
Bottlebrush puts on a colorful show in the garden and shorting it on sunshine will limit its beauty.
Soil
Bottlebrush isnt picky about the throw in of soil, but it needs todrain well.
Credit:Southern Living/Valerie de Leon
If it becomes water-logged, disease can set in.
Conversely, if water cant penetrate heavy soil, the roots wont receive the deep water they need.
Mix in compost and/or shredded leaves to improve drainage in clay.
Planting in a raised mound can also help improve drainage.
Water
Bottlebrush needs minimal care once established.
Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly in between waterings.
Water established plants during periods of drought, especially if you notice wilting leaves.
Supplemental watering is less necessary in winter while the plant isn’t actively growing.
This plant can also do well in arid climates, but it is not a desert plant.
Bottlebrush benefits from watering during long dry spells.
As it is moderately salt-tolerant, bottlebrush is a good choice for coastal gardens.
Though bottlebrush is evergreen, frost can damage or kill the foliage.
Bottlebrush can develop chlorosis, when new leaves turn yellow due to a lack of iron.
This is most common in soil that is too alkaline.
There are many species, but not all are commonly available in the U.S.
Some specialty nurseries may have more types available.
you’re able to also lightly prune your shrub to shape it.
Bottlebrush blooms intermittently all year, so consider pruning after late spring or summer flowers.
Remove suckers from the trunk periodically.
How To Grow Bottlebrush From Seed
Bottlebrushes can be grown from seeds harvested from your trees.
Instead, select two-year-old seed capsules lower down on the branches.
Smaller varieties workbest in containers.
Use a mixture of 4 parts well-draining potting mix and 1 part perlite, grit, or pumice.
Cover the soil with a thin layer of wood chips.
Bottlebrush plants need more frequent watering in pots and will benefit from fertilizer during the growing season.
Overwintering
Though bottlebrush can survive frosts, severe weather damages the foliage.
Mulch the base of the plant to protect the roots from temperature extremes.
Covering the plant with frost cloth during cold snaps can protect the foliage.
Shake excessive snow or ice off of branches to help prevent snapping.
The insects move very little and appear to have a brown “armor” or shell.
Horticultural oil can help with more serious infestations.
Root and crown-attacking fungi can be a problem if the soil is overly moist, as can twig gall.
If new branch growth looks bloated, remove growth and allow the soil to dry.
To prevent disease, check that bottlebrush has good air circulation and keep the plant on the dry side.
Young plants grown from seed or cuttings will take a few years to start blooming.
It’s best to wait until after blooming to prune.
Finally, severe droughts can affect blooming.
double-check to water your bottlebrush during long dry spells.
Prune off dead branches and give the plant time to fill in bare spots with new foliage.
Reduce watering or improve drainage if moisture is an issue.
Underwatering during dry weather can also lead to dry, crispy leaves, especially on a younger plant.
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves could be a sign of overwatering or of nutrient deficiency.
Have your soil tested to see if enough iron and magnesium are available to the plant.
Alkaline soil can also cause chlorosis because it makes nutrients unavailable to the plant.
A fertilizer for acid-loving trees and shrubs may help.
it’s possible for you to also spray the plant with chelated iron to green up the leaves.
Bottlebrushes (Melaleuca spp.)
are Australian native evergreen shrubs and trees with fine foliage and bristly flowers.
The fine bristles of bottlebrush flowers can be messy.
Don’t plant this tree near a pool or other areas you want to be free from debris.
