Calothamnus Quadrifidus
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One-sided Bottlebrush / Common Net Bush
Botanical Name: Calothamnus quadrifidus (syn. Melaleuca quadrifida)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Western Australia
Plant Type: Evergreen shrub
Overview
A tough WA native commonly called one-sided bottlebrush for its distinctive red brushes held along one side of the stem. Forms a dense, upright to rounded shrub with fine grey-green needles. Main flowering is spring to early summer, with occasional spot blooms later. Great for coastal gardens, informal screens and habitat plantings; responds well to tip-pruning.
Key Features
- Mature Size: 1.5-3 m H x 1-2 m W
- Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
- Foliage: Fine grey-green, aromatic when crushed
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Flowers: Bright red, one-sided “bottlebrush” spikes (spring–early summer; occasional later flush)
- Seasonal Interest: Showy spring/early summer colour; evergreen structure year-round
- Wildlife Value: Attracts nectar-feeding birds and native bees
- Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
- Planting Density: Informal hedge/screen: 1 per metre (up to 1.5 m apart for looser effect); Specimen: 1.5–2 m apart
- Pet Friendly: Non-toxic to cats & dogs
Where It Works Best
- Sunlight: Full sun to light part shade (best bloom in sun)
- Soil: Well-drained sandy/loam to light clay loam; mound on heavier sites
- Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; minimal in winter
- Maintenance: Light tip-prune after flowering to keep dense; mulch; feed in early spring with low-P native fertiliser
- Lifespan: 15-25+ years
- Climate Zones: Temperate & Mediterranean SA, including coastal areas
- Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (tolerates mild acidity if free-draining)
Landscape & Design Ideas
- Coastal/wind-tolerant screen with vivid spring colour
- Native habitat border to draw birds and bees
- Low-maintenance feature in dry, sandy sites
Why You Will Love It
A tough, bird-magnet shrub with unique, one-sided red brushes and fine grey-green texture—perfect for low-care coastal and South Australian gardens.