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

Size

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.

Height Guide

These heights are approximate. Batches change frequently, so if you need exact heights, we recommend confirming current batch heights with our sales team.

  • 40cm/45L: Approx. 1.5-1.6m tall
$250.00
$250.00
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  • Australian Native
  • Bird and Pollinator Attracting
  • Coastal Tolerant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Evergreen
  • Evergreen Shrub
  • Feature Tree
  • Flowering Tree
  • Hardy
  • Hedging and Screening
  • Informal Screening
  • Low Maintenance
  • Small
  • Specimen Tree

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

Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' is a compact, evergreen Australian native shrub known for its dense growth habit and vivid red bottlebrush flowers. A refined cultivar of the classic Bottlebrush, 'Harkness' is ideal for hedging, screening, borders, and native gardens, offering year-round structure and reliable flowering.

This variety typically grows to 1.5–2.5 metres tall, forming a neat, bushy shape that responds well to regular pruning. It produces vibrant crimson-red flowers in spring and again in late summer, attracting birds, bees, and beneficial insects. Its fine foliage releases a subtle citrus scent when brushed, adding extra sensory appeal.

‘Harkness’ thrives in full sun, tolerates light frost, and is drought-tolerant once established. It’s a resilient choice for low-maintenance landscapes, including coastal areas, urban gardens, and habitat plantings.

Key Features

  • Botanical Name: Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness'

  • Common Name: Harkness Bottlebrush

  • Height: 1.5–2.5 metres

  • Width: 1.5–2 metres

  • Foliage: Fine, green, aromatic when brushed

  • Flowers: Crimson-red bottlebrush blooms in spring and summer

  • Form: Compact, bushy shrub

  • Evergreen: Yes

  • Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

  • Sun Requirements: Full sun

  • Soil: Adapts to most well-drained soils

  • Drought Tolerant: Yes, once established

  • Frost Tolerant: Light frost

  • Maintenance: Low – prune after flowering to maintain shape

  • Best Uses: Hedging, screening, native gardens, bird-attracting plantings, coastal and urban landscapes

  • Tolerates: Drought, light frost, coastal exposure


Everything You Need to Know Before Planting Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush

Planting & Growing Tips for Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush
Frequently Asked Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush Questions

Planting Tips for Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush

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) & Planting Guide for Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush

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)

Growing 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.

Watering Requirements After Planting Your Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush

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, gradually reduce watering frequency but ensure the plant receives consistent moisture, especially during dry spells.

By providing consistent and appropriate watering during the initial months, you’ll help your new tree or shrub establish a strong root system and thrive in your garden.

Frequently Asked Questions About Callistemon citrinus 'Harkness' – Harkness Bottlebrush

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.

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.
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