Family: Myrtaceae
Common name: Bottlebrush tree, Crimson bottlebrush, Common red bottlebrush, Scarlet bottlebrush, , Bottle brush tree, Lemon bottlebrush, Lemon bottle brush, Crimson bottle brush, Red bottlebrush, Red bottle brush, Meleleuca citrina
Who wouldn’t want a garden tree full of glowing red, fuzzy flowers that look like bottle brushes?! Bottlebrush tree, a native of Australia is now grown extensively all over the world, growing naturally in subtropical conditions and does well in warm, sunny areas.
Tree Characteristics
Bottlebrush trees are technically shrubs that grow to a height of about 4-5 meters with small, dark green leathery leaves and distinct cylindrical red inflorescence.
These trees can have multiple trunks, though pruning small trunks from when the tree is young, can help produce a single thick trunk. The trunk of the Bottlebrush tree is woody and greyish-brown.
Leaves are narrow and thick, almost leathery, about 3-6 cm long. When these leaves are crushed, they release a lemony-scent, the reason the tree is called ‘citrinus’.
The deep red, bottlebrush-like flowers are the most distinctive feature of this tree, and the reason they are gardener’s favourites. The flowers appear in dense, cylindrical clusters that are 10-15 cm long.
Flowering happens during warm summer months, when the tree is favored by bees, insects, and small birds that love to feed on the nectar.
Gardening tips
Young trees need regular watering, though older plants are very drought-resistant. Spreading mulch around the trunk can prevent water evaporating too fast, drying up the roots.
Plant trees with sufficient distance around them to prevent over-crowding. Pruning during initial growth stage can help keep the tree well-rounded.
Fertilization can be done once a year when the trees are small. Once they mature, the trees are self-sufficient. Their fragrant leaves make them resistant to pest and insect infestations.
Uses of Bottlebrush trees
Bottlebrush tree is mainly grown as an ornamentals because of its colourful flowers and evergreen foliage. They are attractive when grown in lawns, courtyards and large garden beds, or trimmed into large flowering hedges or screens.
The flowers attract butterflies and small birds because of the sweet nectar. Though the most common variant has red flowers, there are other variants with yellow, white, orange and green flowers.
The roots of Bottlebrush tree is used to in making herbicides.
Propagation
Propagation is from seeds, suckers growing from the sides of the trees or from stem cuttings.
Photographed at: Sobha Petunia, Bangalore; Nandi hills area, Bangalore.
