Callistemon salignus 'Great Balls of Fire'Great Balls of Fire Bottlebrush

The Callistemon salignus 'Great Balls of Fire', commonly known as Great Balls of Fire Bottlebrush, is a compact, evergreen shrub prized for its vibrant, pink-red new foliage that contrasts beautifully with its mature green leaves. Growing up to 1 to 2 metres tall and wide, this Australian native is perfect for creating colourful hedges, borders, or as a feature plant. While it rarely flowers, the striking foliage makes it an eye-catching addition to gardens year-round.

Hardy and drought-tolerant, Great Balls of Fire is a low-maintenance option for both formal and informal landscapes.

Specifications

• Height1 to 2 metres
• Width1 to 2 metres
• Native toAustralia
• FoliageBright pink-red new growth maturing to green; evergreen
• Growth rateModerate

Conditions

• SoilPrefers well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and clay types
• LightFull sun to partial shade
• WaterLow to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
• ClimateThrives in temperate, subtropical, and coastal regions

Additional Features

• FormCompact, bushy growth habit with dense foliage
• UsesIdeal for hedges, borders, feature planting, or containers
• SpacingPlant 1 metre apart for dense hedging or as standalone specimens
• Low MaintenanceRequires minimal pruning; trim lightly to maintain shape
• Pest ResistanceNaturally hardy and pest-free
• Drought TolerancePerforms well in water-wise gardens once established
• Wind ToleranceSuitable for exposed and coastal gardens
• Seasonal AppealEvergreen foliage with vibrant new growth for year-round interest
• VersatilityComplements native, contemporary, and formal garden styles

Great Balls of Fire Bottlebrush is a stunning and versatile shrub, perfect for adding bold colour and structure to gardens with minimal upkeep.

Project pedigree: This species has stood in Ornatec's drought, salt and frost tolerance palette since the 1990s. Read the tolerance catalogue record.