Callistemon Little John

Callistemon 'Little John' is a dwarf Bottlebrush renowned for its compact size, vibrant crimson red flowers, and attractive blue-green foliage. This evergreen shrub is well known for its year-round visual interest and low-maintenance nature, making it ideal for small gardens, borders, and container planting.

• Height and Width: Grows up to 1.5 meters tall and wide.
  
• Flowers: Features dense, dark red bottlebrush-like flowers that bloom prolifically in spring and summer, attracting birds and pollinators.
• Foliage: Narrow, lance-shaped blue-green leaves that are slightly furry, adding texture to the landscape.
• Growth Habit: Compact, rounded, and dense, making it suitable for low hedges or ground cover.
• Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade.
• Soil: Adaptable to a variety of soil types but thrives in well-drained conditions.

Detailed Description: 

Callistemon 'Little John' is distinguished by its lanceolate leaves that are neatly arranged in an alternate to spiral fashion, contributing to its dense and bushy appearance. The flowers, primarily dark red, attract a variety of nectar-feeding birds, particularly honeyeaters, enhancing the garden's ecological value.

The compact habit of 'Little John' makes it particularly suitable for use as a hedge, providing structure and color to garden landscapes.

This cultivar was raised by Ken Dunstan in northern New South Wales and has been acclaimed for its ornamental value since being named "shrub of the year" in 1986.

To ensure vigorous growth and abundant flowering, it is recommended to prune the plant regularly and remove spent flowers. The Little John responds well to fertilizing, which helps promote more consistent blooming. While it is generally hardy, providing some water during extremely hot and dry periods can help maintain its lush appearance.

Planting Benefits:

• Aesthetic Appeal: Adds color and texture to gardens with its distinctive flowers and foliage.
• Wildlife Attraction: A magnet for birds and pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity.
• Versatility: Perfect for borders, hedges, or as a standalone feature in containers.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners and public landscapes.