Callistemon ‘Little John’: A Compact Bottlebrush with Bold Color and Big Impact
Looking for a vibrant, low-maintenance shrub that fits beautifully into almost any garden style? Callistemon ‘Little John’, commonly known as the Dwarf Bottlebrush, is a compact powerhouse, offering striking red blooms, neat form, and year-round foliage colour. Whether you're creating a native garden, cottage-style border, or drought-tolerant landscape, ‘Little John’ earns its place with both flair and resilience.
Common Name: Dwarf Bottlebrush
Botanical Name: Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’
Size: 3–4 ft tall, 4–5 ft wide
Light: Full sun to light shade
Water: Low once established
Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral
Hardiness: zones 8–11 (frost-tolerant)
Bloom Time: Spring to autumn, with spot flowering in winter
Why Gardeners Love ‘Little John’
Show-Stopping Blooms
‘Little John’ bursts into color with its signature crimson-red bottlebrush flowers, attracting bees, butterflies, and nectar-loving birds. The vibrant blooms appear in flushes from spring through autumn, adding energy and contrast to your garden palette.
Compact, Neat Form
Unlike its taller relatives, ‘Little John’ is low-growing and naturally mounded, making it perfect for smaller spaces, borders, and containers. Its blue-green foliage gives it a tidy look year-round—even when not in flower.
Drought & Frost Tolerant
A true Aussie native at heart, this plant is tough. Once established, it handles dry spells and light frosts with ease, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and low-maintenance landscapes.
Where to Use It
Front garden beds for vibrant curb appeal
Low hedges or borders along paths and fences
Mass plantings for erosion control and seasonal color
Feature containers on patios or balconies
Native or wildlife-friendly gardens for pollinator support
Planting & Care Tips
Planting Site: Choose a sunny spot with well-drained soil. While ‘Little John’ tolerates partial shade, it blooms best in full sun.
Watering: Moderate watering during the first year; minimal once established. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Pruning: Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape and encourages denser growth and more blooms.
Fertilizing: Use a low-phosphorus native plant fertilizer in spring if needed.
Design Tip
Mix ‘Little John’ with silver or grey foliage plants (like Westringia or Lavandula) for a striking color contrast. Or, pair it with taller grasses or kangaroo paws for a dynamic native planting that thrives in harsh conditions.
Callistemon ‘Little John’ proves that big beauty can come in small packages. With its rich red flowers, dense growth habit, and hardy nature, this dwarf bottlebrush adds charm, structure, and seasonal interest to any garden. Whether you're designing a formal front yard or a wild native patch, ‘Little John’ is a reliable and rewarding choice that brings your landscape to life.