Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush - Evergreen Trees Direct

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush

$280.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 75L 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 0.7m – 1m Approx.
75L: Enquire within for height guide information.
100L: 1.5m – 1.8m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 5m (approx.)

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

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 / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (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)

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About Your New Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' carries some of the largest and most intensely crimson bottlebrush flowers of any cultivar, held in heavy flushes through spring and summer against dense evergreen foliage. It is among the showiest bottlebrushes available and a reliable magnet for honeyeaters.

'KPS' grows to 3 to 5 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide at 50 to 80 centimetres per year, filling in densely from the base without needing to be clipped into shape. It works as a fast informal screen along a boundary, a mass planting in civic and rural landscapes, or a specimen in a large pot.

This Australian native is frost hardy, surviving heavy and frequent frost without damage, and tolerates poor soils, extended dry and periodic wet feet once established. It grows in full sun and asks for nothing beyond a light trim after each flowering flush.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Callistemon 'KPS'

How tall does Callistemon 'KPS' grow?

'KPS' grows to 3 to 5 metres tall and 2 to 3 metres wide with a dense habit. It can be held lower with a trim after flowering if a shorter screen is wanted.

What makes 'KPS' different from other bottlebrushes?

'KPS' is a hybrid of Callistemon citrinus and Callistemon viminalis, selected for unusually large, deeply crimson flower spikes and dense foliage. It is one of the showiest bottlebrush cultivars grown.

When does 'KPS' flower?

The main flush is through spring and summer, with sporadic flowering at other times. Flowering is heavy enough to cover much of the canopy.

How fast does 'KPS' grow?

It grows at 50 to 80 centimetres per year once established, forming a usable screen within two to three years with regular water through the first summers.

Does 'KPS' attract birds?

Yes. The nectar-rich crimson flowers are worked heavily by honeyeaters, lorikeets and native bees, and the dense branching shelters smaller birds.

Is Callistemon 'KPS' frost hardy?

Yes. It is frost hardy and survives heavy and frequent frost without damage, suiting it to inland tablelands as well as coastal gardens.

How far apart should I plant 'KPS' for a screen?

Plant 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 2 to 3 metres apart where each plant should read as an individual shrub.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

View full details

Type: Garden Supplies

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

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Uses in my Garden

Screening or Privacy
Shrubs
Rural Property Planting
Revegetation or Regeneration
Council or Civic Landscapes
Plant in Pots (or) Suitable for Pots

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush works in an:

Australian Native Garden – celebrates local plants with natural character.
Coastal Garden – relaxed, seaside feel with hardy, textural plants.
Wildlife Garden – planting to attract birds, bees, and pollinators.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.
Modern Garden – sleek, minimal, and design-led planting.

Is Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush Evergreen or Deciduous?

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 3m to 5m (approx.)

Mature Width: 2m to 3m

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush

Is Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush frost tolerant?

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush Flower?

Callistemon ‘KPS’ produces masses of bright red bottlebrush flowers from spring through summer, with a lighter repeat flowering in autumn. The vivid blooms form at the ends of the branches, creating a bold, eye-catching display that contrasts beautifully with its soft, pendulous foliage.

Does Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Summer
Spring
Sporadic

Flower Type:

Fluffy

Flower Colour:

Red

Is Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush an Australian Native Tree?

Yes

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush is Native to A selected hybrid of Callistemon citrinus and Callistemon viminalis, both native to eastern Australia where they grow naturally along streams, forests, and open woodlands.

What is the Wildlife Value of Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush ?

Its nectar-rich flowers attract honeyeaters, native bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects, while the dense foliage provides shelter and nesting opportunities for small birds. Its extended flowering season helps support pollinators across much of the year.

How much Sunlight does Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush need?

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Callistemon ‘KPS’ performs best in well-drained sandy or loam soils and prefers slightly acidic to neutral conditions. It tolerates poorer soils but may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with organic matter and coarse material to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then reduce watering as the tree matures and develops its characteristic high drought resilience.

Is Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush Drought Tolerant?

Is Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Callistemon ‘KPS’ develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry and coastal environments and maintains reliable flowering and strong foliage cover with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush

Hedging and screening: 1 to 1.5 metres apart for a dense informal screen, or 80 centimetres apart for a tighter formal hedge.

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (approx.).

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Tip prune in late winter and again in summer to build dense growth. For a formal hedge, light shaping two to three times a year keeps lines crisp.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release native blend in early spring and again in autumn. Avoid high-phosphorus formulations as a precaution.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Callistemon citrinus x viminalis 'KPS' - Bottle Brush in Different Soil

Callistemon citrinus performs best in well-drained sandy loam or loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is improved with organic matter.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch well to maintain consistent moisture.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral preferred. Mulch with composted leaf litter to maintain levels naturally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'KPS' suitable for coastal gardens? Yes, it's adaptable to saline environments, making it fit for coastal settings.
How often should I fertilize? A slow-release native fertilizer in spring enhances growth and flowering.