Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Evergreen Trees Direct

Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush

40cm / 45L: 1.5m – 1.6m

Please note: These height guides are approximate, as we work with live plants and natural variation is expected. The measurements provided reflect typical stock sizing but may vary between batches.

Size
Regular price
$250.00
Sale price
$250.00
Regular price
Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.
A GRADE STOCK, EVERY TIME.

Learn About Your New Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' - Harkness Bottlebrush

Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' is a compact, evergreen Australian native shrub with dense growth and vivid red bottlebrush flowers. It’s ideal for hedging, screening, borders, and native gardens, offering year-round structure and reliable flowering.

It typically grows 1.5–2.5 metres tall with a bushy form that responds well to pruning. Crimson-red flowers appear in spring and again in late summer, attracting birds, bees, and beneficial insects. The fine foliage is aromatic when brushed, adding sensory appeal.

They look excellent when planted as a low hedge or grouped in native plantings. Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' thrives in full sun, tolerates light frost, and is drought-tolerant once established, making it a reliable choice for low-maintenance, bird-friendly, and coastal gardens.

 

Plant Profile
Planting & Spacing Tips
Post Planting Care
Tips for Various Soil Types

1. Botanical & Physical Characteristics

BOTANICAL NAME:
Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness'
GENUS:
Callistemon
BOTANICAL SPECIES:
citrinus
COMMON NAME:
Harkness Bottlebrush
FAMILY:
Myrtaceae
EVERGREEN / DECIDUOUS:
Evergreen (foliage year round)
FOLIAGE TYPE
  • Fine
FORM & SHAPE
  • Shrub
  • Spreading
  • Upright

2. Growth & Environmental Conditions

GROWTH RATE
EXPECTED GROWTH PER YEAR

Approx. 40 – 60 cm per year

MATURE HEIGHT

2m - 4m Approximately

MATURE WIDTH

1.5m – 2m

SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE
  • Full Sun
FROST TOLERANCE

Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

AUSTRALIAN NATIVE?
Yes

3. Practical Uses & Flowering

USES:
  • Screening or Privacy
  • Shrubs
  • Rural Property Planting
  • Revegetation or Regeneration
  • Council or Civic Landscapes
  • Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots
FLOWER COLOUR
Red
FLOWER TYPE
  • Fluffy
FLOWERING PERIOD
  • Summer
  • Spring
  • Sporadic

Planting Tips

Plant Spacing

Hedging & Screening: 1 m – 1.5 m – Compact, upright, and great for colourful screening

Feature Tree: 1.5 m – 2.5 m – Room to show flowers and form

Avenue Planting Trees: 3 m – 4 m – Narrow form suitable for tighter rows

Ensuring A Strong Start

How to Plant Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness'

  1. Select a Site: Choose a location with good sunlight and well-draining soil.
  2. Prepare the Soil: Enrich the ground with compost or organic matter for better results.
  3. Dig a Hole: Ensure it's around twice the size of the root ball.
  4. Planting: Position the Callistemon in the hole, backfill with soil, and water generously.

Root Ball Dimensions (Width × Depth) for Planting

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

  • 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
  • 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
  • 50cm Pot: 49.5cm (W) × 35.2cm (D)
  • 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
  • 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
  • 100L Pot: 66cm (W) × 49.5cm (D)
  • 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
  • 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
  • 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
  • 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
  • 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
  • 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
  • 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

Post Planting Care

When planting a new tree or shrub, proper watering is essential to ensure healthy establishment and long-term growth. Follow these guidelines to give your plant the best start:

  1. Immediately After Planting:
    Water generously right after planting to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. This helps the roots make good contact with the soil.
  2. First Three Months (Establishment Phase):
    The initial three months are critical for root development. Water deeply twice daily (morning and evening) to encourage strong, deep root growth.
  3. Irrigation Systems:
    If using an irrigation system, adjust it to provide adequate water during the establishment phase. Ensure the water reaches the root zone without overwatering.
  4. Weather Considerations:
    Adjust watering based on weather conditions. Increase frequency during hot, dry periods and reduce it during cooler, wetter seasons.
  5. Ongoing Care:
    After the establishment phase (3 months), gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

Long Term & Ongoing Care

Caring for Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness'

  • Watering: Water consistently initially. Diminish frequency as the plant matures.
  • Mulching: Spread a layer of organic mulch to keep moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Pruning: Trim post-flowering to maintain its form and encourage bushier growth.

Growing Your Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush in Various Soil Types

Optimizing Soil for Vibrant Blooms and Attractive Foliage

Ideal Drainage: Callistemon species do best in well-drained, slightly acidic soils.

Well-Draining Soil: Perfect for promoting vibrant flowering and health.

If you have the following soil, here are some tips for you:

  • Sandy Soil: Excellent for Callistemon; maintain fertility with controlled-release, low-phosphorus fertilizers.
  • Clay Soil: Typically challenging for Callistemon; heavily amend with gypsum, sand, and compost for better drainage and root health.
  • Loamy Soil: Very good if well-drained; avoid over-enrichment which can lead to lush growth at the expense of blooms.
  • Peaty Soil: High organic content is beneficial; ensure it is well-drained with the addition of perlite or sand to avoid root rot.
Here is what customers like you frequently ask

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' thrive in pots? Yes, with proper drainage, it's suited for container planting.
  • What's the best time to prune? Late spring or after its main flowering season.

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