This plant carries the citrinius name for the lemony scent of the dark green leaves. Early flower spikes are an unusual pale yellow to lime green and the spring and summer floral display is bright crimson. This is a tough and hardy plant and is drought-tolerant once established. In USDA zones 10 or 11, the shrub is evergreen and the plant is deciduous in zones 8 and 9, responding quickly with new growth early in Texas spring.
As a landscape addition, this plant should be sited to receive 6 hours of sun daily. Other than this stipulation, it is an easy-maintenance plant with few demands. It is tolerant of many soils, a wide range of moisture requirements, and is highly resistant to wildlife browsing, especially deer. At maturity, Lemon Bottlebrush can reach 12' tall and as wide. It can also serve as a dramatic statement in a large container. Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but if you choose to prune, please allow the flowering to pass so that you can enjoy the dramatic display. Lemon Bottlebrush is highly attractive to bees and butterflies. And the leaves can be used as a natural lemon scent in potpourris.
As a landscape addition, this plant should be sited to receive 6 hours of sun daily. Other than this stipulation, it is an easy-maintenance plant with few demands. It is tolerant of many soils, a wide range of moisture requirements, and is highly resistant to wildlife browsing, especially deer. At maturity, Lemon Bottlebrush can reach 12' tall and as wide. It can also serve as a dramatic statement in a large container. Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but if you choose to prune, please allow the flowering to pass so that you can enjoy the dramatic display. Lemon Bottlebrush is highly attractive to bees and butterflies. And the leaves can be used as a natural lemon scent in potpourris.