Callistemon Little John (Bottle Brush)

• Little John is a dwarf cultivar of the traditional bottle brush, reaching only 1-1.5 metres tall and wide. Its compact size makes it perfect for smaller gardens and container growing.
• Native to Australia, this hardy shrub is drought tolerant once established and thrives in Australian conditions. It's an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and coastal areas.
• The distinctive red bottle brush flowers appear from late winter through spring and attract native birds like honeyeaters. The dense, fine foliage provides year-round structure and interest in the garden.
• Popular with landscapers for its reliability and low maintenance requirements - it rarely needs pruning and tolerates poor soils well.

• Water deeply once or twice weekly during growing season, reducing to monthly in winter once established. Check soil moisture 5cm down - water when dry to touch.
• Position in full sun location with at least 6 hours direct sunlight daily for best flowering. Tolerates partial shade but may produce fewer blooms.
• Plant in well-draining soil - add coarse sand or gravel to heavy clay soils. For pots, use quality native plant potting mix with good drainage holes.
• Feed with low-phosphorus native plant fertiliser in early spring and late summer. Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers which can damage root systems.
• Prune lightly after flowering finishes in late spring to maintain compact shape. Remove spent flower heads to encourage more blooms.
• Apply 5-7cm layer of mulch around base, keeping mulch away from stem. This conserves moisture and suppresses weeds naturally.

• Plant in full sun to partial shade for best flowering performance - at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily is ideal. Morning sun with afternoon protection works well in hot climates.
• Water deeply but infrequently once established, allowing soil to dry between waterings. Young plants need regular watering for the first year to establish strong root systems.
• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Avoid heavy pruning as this can reduce next season's flowering display.
• Feed with native plant fertiliser in spring and autumn - avoid high phosphorus fertilisers which can damage native plants. Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

• Scale insects can attach to stems and leaves, causing yellowing - treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray. Check regularly and remove by hand if caught early.
• Root rot occurs in poorly draining soils or with overwatering - ensure good drainage and reduce watering frequency. Move potted plants to better draining soil mix if needed.
• Leaf spot fungus appears as brown patches during humid conditions - improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Remove affected leaves and apply copper-based fungicide if severe.
• Psyllids cause leaf curling and honeydew secretions - encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds or use insecticidal soap for heavy infestations.