Callistemon citrinus - Lemon bottlebrush

Approximately twenty-five species of Callistemon grow in Australia and nearby New Caledonia. This is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to ten to fifteen feet tall. It is one of the cold-hardiest species of the genus. Showy spikes of red flowers are produced during the cool months of the year. It is a great nectar source for nectar-feeding birds and large insects.

Not all of the bottlebrush species are reliably cold hardy in north Florida's winters. The lemon bottlebrush is reliable even further north. It grows best in a sunny, well-drained site. The genus Callistemon is very closely allied to the genus Melaleuca, a serious weed in south Florida. Fortunately, Callistemon species have not shown such aggressive tendencies in Florida.