One Sided Bottlebrush
With brialy red flowers Calothamnus quadrifidus is commonly called the one sided bottlebrush, and is a very interesting and garden worthy species.
Winter to spring flowering, it attracts honey eaters to the garden and grows well in full sun to a little shade.
The flowers appear along the stem and are very attractive. After the flowers fade it will produce seed pods which last for long periods on the stems.
This is a species from Western Australia and it requires a very well drained soil to survive. Once established it is drought tolerant plant and you will find both upright and prostrate forms.
Growing well in poor coastal soils, it flowers on old stems. It can be tip pruned after flowering to help maintain a more compact shape.
One of the more forgiving plants from Western Australia, this is a plant that copes with some humidity.
How To grow Calothamnus quadrifidus – Basic Care
- This is a plant that needs a frost free position for best results.
- A position in full sun to a little light shade is important
- A very well drained soil is essential.
- An annual application of compost will be about all the additional nutrients the plant needs except in very poor soils where a light application of native plant fertiliser (low phosphate) may be beneficial.
Landscaping Uses
Use this in the garden border, as a feature plant for the beautiful flowers, or mass plant as low hedge.
Two forms are available, one with green foliage and the other with green foliage, both have the same flowers and are grown in the same conditions.
Propagation
Propagation is from seed which can be collected and then planted out spring.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Calothamnus quadrifidus
- Common Names – One sided bottlebrush
- Country of Origin – Australia – Western Australia
- Climate Zones – Temperate to warm
- Position – Full sun to a little part shade
- Soil – Well drained.
- Height – Generally to around 1 to 2.5 metres depending on form
- Spread – Generally to around 1 to 2.5 metres depending on form
- Growth Rate – Medium
- Foliage – Green or Grey depending on the from.
- Flowers – Red
- Flowering Time – Mainly in spring summer.
- Frost tolerant – Not frost tolerant when young, mild frost only when mature
- Drought tolerant – Yes