Kunzea Baxteri

Common Names: scarlet kunze

Family: Myrtaceae

Origin: Australia

Type: Evergreen shrub or small tree

Size: 8 ft. high, 10 to 20 ft. wide.

Flowers: Striking 4-inch crimson flowers have gold tips on stamens and shape like bottlebrush, fall, winter, spring;  aromatic leaves light green at first, then dark green.

Uses: Open screen, shape and color accent.

Wildlife: Flowers and fruits attract birds, especially parrots in their native Australia.

Soil: Tolerates clay if good drainage; prefers sandy soil.

Water: None to low.

Sun: Full sun or very light shade.

Pruning: Excellent hedge or screen if pruned when young for compact growth habit. Light pruning after flowering improves foliage density and flowering.

Pests & Diseases: (None found.)

Notes: More than half of the 40 species of Kunzeas come from coasts of Western Australia. They come from the same family as Bottlebrushes (Callistemon). Some sensitivity to phosphorous. Hardy to 20° F.