Melaleuca Citrina
Melaleuca citrina (Curtis) Dum.Cours. (syn. Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels)
Melaleuca citrina, the crimson bottlebrush, is one of Australia's most beloved and internationally recognised native plants. Its brilliant, cylindrical spikes of vivid red flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year, and its lemon-scented foliage makes it a standout specimen for gardens, screens, and wildlife planting worldwide.
Myrtaceae
Intermittent flowering throughout the year in frost-free conditions; most prolific in spring and early summer (September to December) and again in autumn; further flushes can occur after rain
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: kunzea baxteris and red silk cotton flowers also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Melaleuca citrina holds an extraordinary place in the history of Australian botany: it was one of the very first Australian plants to be taken to Europe, collected by Joseph Banks at Botany Bay during Captain Cook's 1770 voyage on the Endeavour. By 1794, mature plants were flowering at Kew Gardens and Syon House in England, making it one of the earliest Australian plants to flower in cultivation overseas. It was first formally described as Metrosideros citrina by William Curtis in 1794, then reclassified as Callistemon citrinus, a name under which it became globally known for over a century. In 2006, botanist Lyndley Craven transferred it back to the genus Melaleuca as Melaleuca citrina, though many Australian state herbaria continue to use Callistemon citrinus and it remains widely sold under that name. The species name citrina means "related to citrus" in Latin, a reference to the lemon scent released when the leaves are bruised. The genus name Melaleuca comes from the Greek melas (black) and leukos (white), referring to the black trunk and white branches often seen in species of this genus. The bottlebrush is now one of the most widely grown Australian native plants in the world, cultivated across Europe, North America, South Africa, Israel, and beyond. Its cultivar "Splendens," sold in the UK as "Endeavour" in honour of Cook's ship, has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.Shop Our Floral Collection
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Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light partial shade
Water
Moist soil preferred in cultivation; tolerates periodic flooding and drought once established; grows naturally along watercourses; established plants are moderately drought-tolerant but flower better with regular moisture
Soil
Moist, Well-drained to moderately moist, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Adaptable to most soils including moderately wet and moderately dry
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in a moist but well-drained soil in full sun for the most prolific flowering; adapts well to a wide range of soils
Water regularly, especially during dry periods and after planting; established plants are more drought-tolerant
Prune lightly after each main flowering flush, trimming spent flower spikes; do not cut into bare, old wood without leaves; the plant can regenerate from hard pruning but responds best to regular light shaping
Responds very well to pruning and can be trained as a standard small tree or shaped into a neat hedge
Avoid high-phosphorus fertilisers; apply a low-phosphorus native-specific fertiliser in spring
Frost-tolerant to moderate frosts in established plants; young plants may need protection
One of the very first Australian plants brought to Europe by Joseph Banks in 1770 and established in English gardens by 1794
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Specimen shrub or small multi-stemmed tree for gardens, parks, and streetscapes
- Informal hedge, screen, or windbreak
- Cut flower for floral arrangements (long-lasting in water)
- Major nectar source for wildlife gardening; attracts honeyeaters, lorikeets, and other birds, as well as bees
- Honey production; a significant source of nectar for the beekeeping industry
- Container growing for patios and courtyard gardens in cooler climates
Traditional Uses
- Research has identified a major phloroglucinol compound in the flowers with strong anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties
- The herbicide mesotrione was developed as a synthetic analogue of leptospermone, a natural herbicide produced by the roots of this plant (as Callistemon citrinus), demonstrating its significant contribution to agricultural chemistry
- Flower extracts have been investigated for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, antiviral, and antiparasitic properties
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult healthcare professionals before using any plant medicinally.
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Melaleuca Citrina
Is melaleuca citrina the same as callistemon citrinus?
Yes. They are the same plant. For over a century it was universally known as Callistemon citrinus, but in 2006 botanist Lyndley Craven transferred it to the genus Melaleuca as Melaleuca citrina, arguing the two genera were not sufficiently distinct to maintain separately. Many Australian state herbaria and nurseries continue to use the old name Callistemon citrinus. Both names describe the same plant and care is identical.
What does melaleuca citrina smell like?
The flowers do not have a strong scent, but the leaves release a distinct, refreshing lemon fragrance when bruised or crushed. This lemon scent is the origin of the common name "lemon bottlebrush" and the species name citrina, meaning "related to citrus" in Latin.
How often does crimson bottlebrush flower?
In frost-free conditions it can flower intermittently throughout most of the year. The most prolific displays occur in spring (September to December) and often again in autumn. Further flushes of flowering are frequently triggered by rainfall after dry periods. This extended and repeat-flowering habit is one of the main reasons for its worldwide popularity.
Is crimson bottlebrush safe for birds?
Yes, it is one of the most important bird-attracting plants available to gardeners. Its abundant nectar draws honeyeaters, lorikeets, New Holland Honeyeaters, Red Wattlebirds, Eastern Spinebills, Noisy Miners, and Silvereyes in Australia. It also attracts hummingbirds in the United States and sunbirds in South Africa. Crimson Rosellas eat the woody seed capsules.
What is the history of melaleuca citrina in gardens?
Melaleuca citrina was collected at Botany Bay by Joseph Banks during Captain Cook's famous 1770 voyage on the Endeavour, making it one of the first Australian plants ever brought to Europe. By 1794, mature plants were flowering at Kew Gardens and Syon House in England, making it one of the earliest Australian plants to be successfully cultivated overseas. Today it is grown in gardens across Europe, North America, South Africa, and beyond, and its cultivar "Splendens" (sold in the UK as "Endeavour") has received the RHS Award of Garden Merit.
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