Little John Dwarf Bottlebrush Shrub

The Little John Dwarf Bottlebrush Shrub stays compact, reaching about 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide at maturity. Its low, rounded shape makes it ideal for borders, walkways, foundation plantings, and container gardens. Despite its smaller size, it still delivers bold color with its vibrant red blooms.

This dwarf shrub has a moderate growth rate, typically growing 6 to 12 inches per year. With full sun and proper care, it will fill out nicely over a few growing seasons—staying compact without aggressive spreading.

Plant your Little John Bottlebrush in a full sun location—it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best blooming and dense foliage. Choose well-draining soil, and avoid low areas where water may pool. It’s perfect for USDA Zones 8–11 and thrives in warm, dry climates. In humid or wet areas, ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

For mass plantings or borders, space Little John Bottlebrush Shrubs 3 to 5 feet apart, measuring from center to center. This allows enough room for each plant to spread naturally while creating a dense, colorful hedge as they mature.

To grow the Little John Bottlebrush Shrub in a container:
1. Choose a pot that’s at least 14–18 inches wide with drainage holes.
2. Use well-draining soil, ideally a sandy or cactus-style mix.
3. Place in full sun—this plant thrives with lots of light.
4. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
5. Repot every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and allow root growth.

Container planting is perfect for patios, decks, or areas where garden space is limited.

This shrub is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant once established. Here’s what it needs:
• Sunlight: Full sun—6+ hours daily
• Watering: Water regularly until established, then water only during extended dry periods
• Soil: Well-draining; avoid heavy, wet soils
• Fertilizer: Feed in early spring with a low-phosphorus fertilizer to support blooms
• Pruning: Lightly shape after flowering to maintain size and form

It’s heat-tolerant and thrives with minimal upkeep in most western and southern climates.

The Little John blooms primarily in spring through early summer, but in warm climates, it may flower intermittently year-round. Its bold, deep red brush-like blooms stand out against blue-green foliage and attract pollinators like hummingbirds.

If your shrub isn’t blooming, check these common issues:
• Too little sunlight: It needs 6+ hours of full sun to produce flowers.
• Over-fertilizing: Excess nitrogen promotes leaves over blooms. Use a low-phosphorus, bloom-boosting fertilizer instead.
• Poor drainage: Soggy roots can stress the plant. Ensure soil or container drains well.
• Recent pruning: Pruning at the wrong time can remove buds—only prune after flowering.

With the right light and care, blooming should resume.

Yes! The bright red, bottlebrush-style flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. It’s an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, xeriscapes, or anyone looking to support local wildlife.

Pruning is optional but helpful for maintaining shape and encouraging repeat blooming.
• Prune lightly after the main bloom cycle in spring or early summer.
• Remove any dead, damaged, or leggy growth to keep the plant compact.
• Avoid heavy pruning in late fall, as it may reduce winter blooms in warmer zones.

With minimal pruning, it stays naturally tidy and attractive year-round.

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In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

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At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

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