Callistemon ‘Little John’ (Dwarf Bottlebrush)

Callistemon ‘Little John’ is a compact and highly ornamental Australian native shrub loved for its striking blue-grey foliage and vibrant red bottlebrush flowers. This dwarf variety produces masses of eye-catching blooms that contrast beautifully against the dense foliage, creating year-round colour and texture in gardens and landscapes. Its naturally rounded growth habit makes it perfect for low hedging, borders, mass planting, and decorative container displays.

Renowned for its toughness and low maintenance requirements, ‘Little John’ is an excellent choice for modern gardens, native landscapes, and waterwise planting schemes. It performs exceptionally well in sunny positions and tolerates drought and coastal conditions once established. The nectar-rich flowers attract birds and beneficial pollinators, bringing life and movement to outdoor spaces. Compact, hardy, and visually striking, this versatile shrub is ideal for adding long-lasting colour with minimal upkeep.

Mature Height: 1–1.5m

Mature Width: 1–1.5m

Spacing: 0.8–1.2m apart

Evergreen/Deciduous: Evergreen

Foliage: Dense blue-grey to grey-green foliage with a compact rounded growth habit

Flowering Period & Fruit Development/Harvest: Bright red
bottlebrush flowers produced mainly from spring through summer, with occasional repeat flowering throughout the year in warm climates

Sun Tolerance: Full sun to part shade; best flowering and foliage colour occur in full sun

Maintenance: Low maintenance; prune lightly after flowering to encourage dense growth and maintain shape. Drought tolerant once established

Root System: Non-invasive, moderately spreading root system suitable for borders, hedging, containers, and general landscape planting