What flower is one of the most eye catching elements of Palm Coast landscape design? If you have taken note of the striking Bottlebrush trees and shrubs that are currently in bloom, with their unique brush shaped red blossoms, you will agree this is a special plant. So many beautiful Palm Coast landscapes incorporate the evergreen Bottlebrush, or Callistemon, and its lovely shape is an elegant addition to your yard year round, although many would say it is at its peak while blooming.
Red in the landscape is a powerful design component and nothing attracts attention like the hot hue of the Bottlebrush. The tree or shrub has an Asian style as its delicate leaves cascade downwards, adding texture and movement among other stronger, thicker landscape plants and trees. Some Native American cultures believe the red bottle brush shaped flowers catch evil spirits before they can enter a home, giving Bottlebrush a whimsical story behind its attractive appearance.
What do you need to know about the Bottlebrush from a botanical point of view? This plant is perennial, relatively easy to maintain, and drought resistant, although it does best with regular watering, as most Palm Coast landscape designs, because of our unpredictable weather patterns, tend to thrive as well. A relative of the crape myrtle, Bottlebrush is native to Australia and was introduced in European gardens in 1789. If you have a Bottlebrush blooming, expect to see lots of nectar feeding birds, like hummingbirds, as well as insects, especially butterflies!
🦚Article by Connie Helena, author of The Green Orchid 🦚
