Description
Form: Shrub.
Lifespan: More than ten years.
Leaf retention: Evergreen.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 3-12' (1-3.5m) high and 4-9' (1-2.75m) wide.
Flowers: A bottlebrush shape composed mostly of red stamens.
Bloom: Fall or spring, or sporadically throughout the year, depending on climate and cultivar.
Fruit: Woody cup-shaped seed capsules.
Leaves: Green, lance-shaped, leathery, with a lemon smell when crushed, edible.
Stems: Grayish-brown, trunk becoming fissured with age.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Some bird species consume the seeds.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Australia.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 9-11. This plant may die to the ground in hard freezes and come back from its roots.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun. Avoid locations that are in part shade for a significant part of the day to prevent the foliage and branches from developing more on the sunny side, resulting in a lopsided appearance.
Soil: Well draining, dry, pH 6.1-9.0 (slightly acidic to highly alkaline). Damp soil results in root fungal diseases.
Water after becoming established: Once or twice a month, taking rainfall into account. The soil must become dry between waterings.
Mulch: Around roots before the first predicted frost.
Prune: In summer after flowering. Blooms occur on new growth. This plant can be trimmed into a hedge. It is less desirable as a tree shape because of its growth pattern.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed or cuttings.
Uses: Ornamental, hedge. The leaves are used for tea or to flavor stews.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Its scientific synonym is Callistemon citrinus. Another common name is Lemon Bottlebrush. The pictures are of a dwarf cultivar.

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