Callistemon Great Balls Of Fire - 14cm Pot

Callistemon ‘Great Balls of Fire’ is a compact Australian native shrub renowned for its brilliant red new growth and dense naturally rounded habit. Bred in Victoria by respected plant breeder Rex Trimble, this hardy bottlebrush has remained a favourite in Australian gardens for decades thanks to its year-round colour, adaptability and low maintenance nature. Whether used as a hedge, feature shrub or container plant, it delivers strong visual impact in both native and contemporary landscapes.

The standout feature of ‘Great Balls of Fire’ is its intense flushes of vibrant red new foliage, which appear regularly throughout the growing season and create striking contrast against the mature green leaves. This colourful display provides ornamental interest well beyond the flowering season. While bottlebrush flowers can occur, regular pruning to maintain a dense hedge often limits flowering, making the foliage colour the main attraction throughout the year.

With its compact growth habit and reliable performance across a wide range of climates, this versatile shrub is ideal for smaller gardens, courtyards, patios and boundary planting. It responds exceptionally well to pruning, making it one of the best native hedging plants for creating a colourful and structured screen. Its tolerance of coastal conditions and adaptability to both native and exotic garden styles further add to its appeal.

Mature size: approximately 1.75 metres high × 1.5 metres wide

Care & Growing Tips
Plant Callistemon ‘Great Balls of Fire’ in a full sun position for the strongest foliage colour and densest growth.

Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to a wide range of soil types once established. Avoid permanently wet positions.

Water regularly during establishment. Once mature, it is relatively drought tolerant and requires only occasional watering during extended dry periods.

Apply a slow-release fertiliser formulated for Australian native plants in spring to promote healthy growth and vibrant new foliage.

Prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage dense colourful growth. For hedging, plants can be spaced approximately 50cm apart.

Suitable for a wide range of Australian climates, including coastal areas and regions subject to heat and dry conditions.

Ideal for
– Native hedging and screening
– Feature shrubs in garden beds
– Pots and container planting
– Small gardens, patios and courtyards
– Coastal and low maintenance gardens
– Colourful structural planting year-round