Bottle Brush, Upright

 Bottlebrush, Upright (Callistemon rigidus) Growing Guide

Plant Description:  

The Upright Bottlebrush (Callistemon rigidus) is an evergreen shrub or small tree known for its striking, cylindrical, bright red flowers that resemble a bottle brush. These blooms appear primarily in spring and summer and attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The foliage consists of narrow, lance-shaped leaves with a leathery texture. It is drought-tolerant once established and often used for its ornamental beauty and ability to thrive in tough conditions.

Native Range:  

Native to Australia, the Upright Bottlebrush is well adapted to warm, dry climates and thrives in various landscapes with similar conditions.

Growing Zones:  

Best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11. In cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter.

Height and Width:  

- Height: 8 to 12 feet (can reach up to 15 feet in ideal conditions)  

- Width: 6 to 10 feet  

It has an upright, narrow growth habit but can be pruned to maintain shape and size.

Growing Conditions:  

- Light: Requires full sun for best flowering.  

- Soil: Prefers well-draining soil and tolerates sandy, loamy, or slightly clay soils. Bottlebrush is quite adaptable to poor soils as long as they aren’t waterlogged.  

- Water: Drought-tolerant once established but benefits from regular watering during extended dry periods. Avoid overwatering.  

- Temperature: Thrives in warm climates and can handle mild frost. Prolonged freezing temperatures can cause damage, so mulching around the base in cooler zones is recommended.

Uses:  

- Ornamental: Excellent as a specimen plant, hedge, or screen due to its unique flowers and attractive foliage.  

- Wildlife Garden: Attracts pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees, making it ideal for wildlife or pollinator gardens.  

- Drought-Tolerant Garden: Perfect for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.  

- Container Plant: In cooler climates, it can be grown in containers and moved indoors during cold weather.  

- Erosion Control: Can be used on slopes to help control erosion due to its deep root system.

The Upright Bottlebrush is a hardy and versatile plant that brings vibrant color and texture to landscapes, while also supporting local pollinators.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

California: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Juglans spp. (Walnut), Pinus spp. (Pine), Quercus spp. (Oak)  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. (Cherry, Peach, Plum). Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Cornus spp. (Dogwood), Quercus spp. (Oak), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)  

Georgia: Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry)  

Hawaii: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Idaho: Humulus lupulus (Hops), Mentha spp. (Mint), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Indiana: Fragraria spp. (Strawberry), Rosa spp. (Rose)  

Kansas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Michigan: Abies spp. (Fir), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry)  

Montana: Pinus spp. (Pine)  

Nevada: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

New Jersey: Rosa spp. (Rose)  

New York: Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Oregon: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Quercus spp. (Oak), Sambucus nigra (European Elderberry), Ulmus spp. (Elm), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Texas: Juglans spp. (Walnut)  

Washington: Allium spp. (Chives, Flowering Onion), Castanea spp. (Chestnut), Corylus spp. (Hazelnut), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Vaccinium spp. (Blueberry, American Cranberry, Lingonberry), Vitis spp. (Grape)  

Wisconsin: Abies spp. (Fir), Pinus spp. (Pine), Picea spp. (Spruce), Mentha spp. (Mint)  

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.