The Red Cluster Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus ‘Red Cluster’) is also known as crimson bottlebrush. It is a showstopping evergreen with numerous pendulous branches covered in cherry-red, bottlebrush-shaped blooms from late spring through summer. Those nectar-rich flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Meanwhile, the soft, lemon-scented foliage stays a bright, fresh green year-round. With a densely compact, upright habit, the Red Cluster Bottlebrush works beautifully as a small flowering tree, screen, hedge, or container accent.

Why Grow a Red Cluster Bottlebrush?

Brilliant cherry-red blooms – bottlebrush-shaped flower spikes cover the plant from late spring through summer, with intermittent blooms in warm months.
Hummingbird & pollinator magnet – especially loved by hummingbirds, and also a favorite of butterflies and bees.
Tough & drought-tolerant – once established it shrugs off heat and dry spells, and it is moderately salt-tolerant for coastal yards.
Versatile form – grow it as a large shrub, train it into a single- or multi-trunk small tree, or keep it as a hedge or container specimen.
Evergreen & deer-resistant – also bright green, lemon-scented foliage all year, while deer tend to leave it alone.

Want more pollinator-friendly color? Browse our Flowering Plants and Shrubs & Bushes collections.

Plant Specifications at a Glance

Botanical name: Callistemon citrinus ‘Red Cluster’ (crimson bottlebrush; also classified as Melaleuca citrina)
Plant type: Evergreen flowering shrub or small tree
Plant family: Myrtaceae (the myrtle family)
Mature size: a compact, upright grower reaching about 12–15 feet tall and 8–10 feet wide
Bloom season: Late spring through summer, with intermittent blooms in warm months
Flowers: Cherry-red, bottlebrush-shaped spikes
Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees; deer-resistant
Cold Hardiness Zones: 8–11 (the hardiest of the bottlebrushes; protect from frost in zone 8)

Red Cluster Bottlebrush Care & Growing Guide

The Red Cluster Bottlebrush is adaptable and easy to grow. Follow these simple guidelines:

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun and also tolerates light shade. Generally, full sun produces the most flowers.
Water: Water regularly to establish a strong root system, with more frequent watering in extreme heat. Once mature, it needs only occasional watering and is drought-tolerant.
Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soils, though it prefers well-drained soil. In addition, avoid very alkaline or poorly drained sites.
Cold Hardiness Zone: 8–11. In zone 8, give it a sheltered spot and frost protection during hard cold snaps.
Pruning: Prune often to encourage new growth, and shear annually for your desired shape. Because it tolerates pruning well and even regenerates from hard cuts, pruning right after flowering keeps it tidy and blooming.

Ways to Use Red Cluster Bottlebrush in the Landscape

This bold bloomer doubles as structure and wildlife draw. Popular uses for the Red Cluster Bottlebrush include:

Small specimen or accent tree for limited spaces
Also screens, hedges, and background plantings
Groupings and mass plantings
Similarly, hummingbird and pollinator gardens
Large containers and patio focal points

It pairs well with other sun-loving, pollinator-friendly plants. For example, gardeners often combine it with the silvery Texas Sage, the colorful Ruby Loropetalum, or the native Wax Myrtle.

What You’ll Receive

These are live Red Cluster Bottlebrush starter plants, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. Each plant is less than 12 inches tall when we ship it. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. That way, you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your preferred bundle size using the options above.

Also, due to different state laws, we reserve the right to charge extra fees where necessary to comply.

Ordering, Shipping & Returns

Every order ships free and is insured against loss or damage in transit. For full details on how we pack and send your plants, processing and delivery times, and what to do in the rare case of a problem, please review our Shipping Policy and Terms & Conditions before purchasing. By placing an order, you agree to those terms.

Red Cluster Bottlebrush FAQ

Growing & Care Questions

What is a Red Cluster Bottlebrush?

It is a showstopping evergreen, Callistemon citrinus Red Cluster, also called crimson bottlebrush. Notably, its pendulous branches are covered in cherry-red, bottlebrush-shaped blooms, and the foliage is lemon-scented.

Does Red Cluster Bottlebrush attract hummingbirds?

Yes, very much. The nectar-rich red flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, and they also draw butterflies and bees. As a result, it is a top pick for a pollinator garden.

How big does Red Cluster Bottlebrush get?

It is a compact, upright grower, reaching about 12 to 15 feet tall and 8 to 10 feet wide. However, you can keep it smaller as a hedge or shape it into a small tree.

How much sun does it need?

It thrives in full sun and also tolerates light shade. Generally, full sun produces the most flowers and the strongest, healthiest growth.

How far apart should I plant Red Cluster Bottlebrush for a hedge?

For a hedge or screen, space plants about 4 to 6 feet apart. That spacing lets each shrub fill out while still growing together into a solid line.

Hardiness, Buying & Shipping Questions

How often should I water it?

Water regularly while it establishes a strong root system, and more often in extreme heat. Once mature, it is drought-tolerant and needs only occasional watering.

What growing zones is Red Cluster Bottlebrush suited for?

It is hardy in USDA Cold Hardiness Zones 8 to 11, and it is the hardiest of the bottlebrushes. However, in zone 8, give it a sheltered spot and frost protection during hard cold snaps.

Can I grow it as a small tree or a hedge?

Yes, it is wonderfully versatile. You can grow it as a large shrub, train it into a single- or multi-trunk small tree, or keep it as a hedge or container specimen.

How and when should I prune Red Cluster Bottlebrush?

Prune often to encourage new growth, and shear annually for your desired shape. Because it tolerates pruning well and even regrows from hard cuts, pruning right after flowering keeps it tidy and blooming.

What size plants will I receive?

You will receive live Red Cluster Bottlebrush starter plants. Each one is under 12 inches tall at shipping, grown and shipped by Carlo’s Plant Farm. The listing photos show mature plants of the same species. So you can see how yours will look as they grow and bloom. Finally, choose your bundle size using the options above.

Red Cluster Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus) with crimson bottlebrush flowers

Red bottlebrush shrub blooms attracting hummingbirds

Click to enlarge

Callistemon citrinus Red Cluster bottlebrush evergreen foliage and red blooms

Red Cluster Bottlebrush grown as a small flowering tree

Close-up of crimson bottlebrush red flower spike

Carlos Plant Farm

Red Cluster Bottlebrush Plant – Callistemon citrinus ‘Red Cluster’ (Live Starter Shrub)

Price range: $33.79 through $178.32

Bring brilliant color and hummingbirds to your yard with a live Red Cluster Bottlebrush (Callistemon citrinus ‘Red Cluster’), also known as crimson bottlebrush. This evergreen shrub or small tree produces cherry-red, bottlebrush-shaped blooms from late spring through summer that are irresistible to hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. Drought-tolerant, moderately salt-tolerant, and deer-resistant, with lemon-scented evergreen foliage. Shipped as a healthy live starter plant (under 12 inches tall) by Carlos Plant Farm. Cold hardy in USDA zones 8–11.

Plant Bundle

Clear