Little John Bottlebrush is the common name for Callistemon citrinus. It’s a compact evergreen shrub requiring little care or pruning and enjoys full sun.
Callistemon citrinus “Little John” is a dwarf plant species native to New South Wales and Victoria in Australia.
Callistemon citrinus is now classified as Melaleuca citrina.
It’s a member of the Myrtle family and was one of the first Australian plants cultivated outside of the country. In 1986 it was Shrub of the Year in Australia.
Other commons names of this plant include:
- Bottlebrush ‘Little John’
- Dwarf Callistemon
- Dwarf Bottlebrush
- Weeping Bottlebrush
- Callistemon citrinus ‘Little John’
- Melaleuca viminalis ‘Little John’
Callistemon Citrinus ‘Little John’ Quick Care Tips
- Botanical Name: Callistemon citrinus
- Common Name(s): Little John Bottlebrush, Bottlebrush ‘Little John’, Dwarf Callistemon, Dwarf Bottlebrush, Weeping Bottlebrush, Callistemon citrinus ‘Little John’, Melaleuca viminalis ‘Little John’
- Synonyms: Callistemon ‘Little John’
- Pronunciation: Kal-lis-STEE-mon sit-REE-nus
- Family & Origin: Myrtaceae family, native to New South Wales and Victoria in Australia
- Growability: Easy to grow
- Grow Zone: USDA zones 8 and higher
- Size: Compact shrub, grows up to 3′ feet tall and 5′ feet wide
- Flowering: Blooms with bright red flowers throughout the year
- Light: Full sun to light shade
- Humidity: Tolerates low humidity
- Temperature: Prefers 50° to 89° degrees Fahrenheit
- Soil: Slightly acidic, moist, well-draining soil with pH levels between 5.6 and 7.5
- Water: Moderate watering, but avoid overwatering
- Fertilizer: Feed with slow-release fertilizer granules in the spring
- Pests & Diseases: Generally pest and disease-free, but can be susceptible to scale insects, mealybugs, spider mites, and root rot if overwatered
- Propagation: Propagate through semi-hard cuttings
- Plant Uses: Great for borders, hedges, and containers. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies.
Little John Bottlebrush Care
Size and Growth
Little John is a dwarf bottle brush plant, reaching a height of just 3′ feet. It spreads up to 5′ feet and has narrow, blue-green leaves.
The blue-green leaves are evergreen, remaining on the plant throughout the year and perfect for today’s smaller gardens.
The plant has dense growth, covered in stems with multiple sets of leaves.
The leaves are egg-shaped and narrower near the base with a pointed end. When crushed, the leaves give off a citrus scent.
Flowering and Fragrance
The bright red flowers grow from bottlebrush-like flower spikes at the ends of the branches throughout the year.
The flower spikes measure 2″ to 3″ inches in diameter and grow 2″ to 4″ inches long.
Each spike contains up to 80 bristle-like stamens.
The petals are small, measuring just ¼-inch. They fall off throughout the season as the flower ages.
The elongated flower spikes give bottlebrush plants their common name, as they resemble bottle brushes.
The plant flowers throughout the year, but most blooms arrive in November and December.
After flowering, cup-shaped fruit capsules appear.
The tiny fruit capsules grow in clusters along the stems.
Light and Temperature
The Dwarf evergreen shrub grows best in full sun to light shade. It grows outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 8a and higher.
The ideal temperature of this plant ranges from 50° to 89° degrees Fahrenheit.
In North America, the plant is suitable for outdoor cultivation in Florida, California, and other parts of the South.
In cooler climates, the plant is cultivated in pots and brought indoors for the winter.
When grown as a houseplant, it may achieve the same height and spread.
Watering and Feeding
The plant needs moderate watering, with soil kept moist throughout most of the year.
Once established, Little John Dwarf Bottlebrush has good drought tolerance but still needs good drainage to prevent root rot and other plant problems.
Young and potted plants may require water once or twice weekly, especially during the warmer months.
Established outdoor plants should only require water during extended periods without rain. Moreover, they tolerate low humidity.
While fertilizer isn’t needed, adding slow-release fertilizer granules in the spring may encourage fuller growth in younger plants.
Soil and Transplanting
The plant grows well in slightly acidic, moist, well-draining soil with pH levels between 5.6 and 7.5.
Silt, loam, and clay soil are suitable environments for dwarf Little John Bottlebrush.
Transplant potted plants as needed at the start of spring.
Replace the soil when transplanting and move to a larger pot if the roots become compacted.
Grooming and Maintenance
Dwarf Little John Bottlebrush is a slow-growing plant.
It may require occasional trimming to manage its shape and size.
While it’s possible to prune the plant at any time of the year, deep pruning should occur before spring growth arrives.
How To Propagate Callistemon Citrinus ‘Little John’
Propagate Little John Bottle Brush using semi-hardwood cuttings.
- Select cuttings measuring 6″ to 12″ inches long.
- Cut the stem and dip the end in a hormone rooting powder.
- To propagate outdoors, prepare a section of soil by amending the existing soil with organic matter.
- Stick the cutting into the soil, ensuring several leaf nodes remain above the ground.
- When growing the plants indoors, use large pots filled with moist, well-drained soil.
- The cuttings should take root during the summer but shouldn’t be transplanted until spring the following year.
Callistemon Citrinus ‘Little John’ Pest or Diseases
Little John Dwarf Bottlebrush is deer-resistant and virtually disease-free, and pest-free.
The main threats include scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.
These pests are more common when the plant is grown indoors.
If scale insects appear, try to remove them manually. Scrape them off the plant.
For spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects not coming off easily, spray the plant with cool water.
Allow the plant to dry before repeating this step.
After several sprayings, if the pests remain, treat the plant with a homemade insecticide or a commercial Neem Oil pesticide.
Neem Oil is our FAVORITE natural organic insecticide. Control aphids, mealybugs, plant scale, Japanese Beetles and more. It can also be used as a soil drench.
To try a homemade solution, combine several teaspoons of dish soap with water and spray the plant.
While many species of bottlebrush plants contain toxic substances in the fruits, seeds, or foliage, Little John is not a threat.
It’s non-toxic and safe to grow around pets and children.
However, people with sensitive stomachs may experience minor digestive issues after ingesting the fruits or parts of the plant.
Suggested Uses For Dwarf Little John Bottlebrush
In warm regions, use the deer-resistant Little John Bottle Brush to bring winter interest to any landscape area.
The blue-green leaves and bright-red flowers stand out during the colder months.
Its versatile compact size allows it to grow as a low hedge or foundation plant.
In cool regions, grow Little John Dwarf Bottlebrush in three-gallon or larger containers.
Keep the plant outdoors during the summer and bring it indoors for the winter.