Semmes Cold Hardy Red Bottlebrush – Callistemon – 3 Gallon Pot

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While most Callistemon varieties are cold hardy only in USDA Zones 9 and 10 of southern Florida and Texas, Semmes Cold Hardy Bottlebrush is hardy to USDA Zone 7b, where it has withstood temperatures of -9 degrees F. The older the plant gets the more cold hardy it becomes.

The arching branches of Semmes Hardy Bottlebrush form a mound 4 to 5 feet tall and equally as wide. Red, fuzzy, bottlebrush-like flowers appear in late spring and then sporadically through the rest of the warm season on established plants. The long narrow leaves emerge a beautiful coppery color before maturing to dark blue-green and have have a fresh, lemony scent when bruised.

Growing 4 to 5 feet tall and maybe a little wider, Semmes Cold Hardy Bottlebrush is ideal for use has multiple use as a specimen, in groupings, or as a natural hedge. Excellent spilling out from behind other shorter plants or over a wall. A fine addition to tropical gardens, red theme gardens, butterfly gardens, and the Xeriscape (low water needs). In the warmer USDA Hardiness Zones 8b-10b Semmes Hardy Bottlebrush is excellent for use in containers that can be left outside during winter.

Suggested Spacing:  3 to 4 feet apart for solid hedges;  8 feet or more apart for space between plants

For those of you in USDA Zones 7a or 7b we advise providing young plants with a little extra protection during the first winter or two if and when the temperature drops below 20 degrees. Add mulch around the base or cover the entire plant with a tarp or blanket for insulation. Planting close to the home on the east or south side will offer some protection from winters cold northern winds.

Note:  For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 7a, where this Bottlebrush is not winter hardy, you’ll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring. 

Semmes Hardy Bottlebrush is exceptionally easy to grow in most any well-drained soil. It prefers full sun but will tolerate some shade. Plants will require water when establishing themselves, however are very drought tolerant when established. Bottlebrush have very few if any insect or disease problems, and deer won’t touch them. Tolerates lots of heat and salt air. Established plants may be hard pruned after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage a denser habit.

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