Callistemon citrinus (Crimson Bottlebrush) was previously known as Callistemon lanceolatus. The name derives  from two Greek words: callistemon: meaning beautiful stamens; citrinus - lemon-scented, of the leaves. 

The Crimson Bottlebrush is a shrub from swampy areas of Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.  In cultivation, however, it may reach small-tree proportions if conditions are favorable. It is generally described as bright red, tipped with dark anthers.

The special attraction of this bottle brush is its habit of flowering twice a year if well watered.  In years of extreme heat and cold in Canberra, and lacking water, flowering has been sparse. The main flowering season is from early November, but its autumn flowers are even more welcome from the end of March. The brilliant red looks fresh in late summer heat waves and warm in early winter.

The woody seed capsules remain closed on the branches for years and open when taken off and placed in a warm place, such as a sunny windowsill. Seed is plentiful and young plants are easily raised this way. Cuttings of semi-ripe wood can be used to increase specially good forms.

This native plant  is easy to obtain and may be planted in any position or soil including really wet conditions or by the sea.  No shrub could give a more brilliant display for so little trouble. Bees and small birds are frequently seen around the flowers. In some years the leaves are badly blemished by a tiny scale which causes a blistered appearance and some twisting, as well as some attendant smut. To control this a spray of white oil and a sytemic insecticide can be applied. A repeat spray may be required in fourteen days.

This species is responsible for the most varieties and hybrids that we can see today. Most of them came as a result of seed propagation which changed the characteristics of the variety rather than from breeding. Some of the most well known cultivars of Callistemon citrinus are: "Mauve Mist", "Burgundy", "White Anzac", "Endeavour" and "Reeves Pink".

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