Pollinator Drought Tolerant Best Seller

Bottlebrush 'Clemson'

Callistemon rigidus 'Clemson'

$31.00 Sold out
1 Gallon USDA Zones 7–10 Full Sun and Part Shade Matures 3–6 Feet

A cold-hardy red bottlebrush that thrives where the genus usually cannot. Callistemon rigidus 'Clemson' blooms brilliant scarlet from late spring into summer, hardy into upstate South Carolina.

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Roots wrapped in moist soil and padded for safe transit
Grown and shipped from our nursery in Aiken, SC
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An exceptional cold-hardy bottlebrush, Callistemon rigidus 'Clemson' is a compact to medium evergreen shrub hung with brilliant red, brush-like flowers that bloom heavily in late spring and often rebloom through summer. Native to Australia, this selection defies expectations for the genus by thriving outdoors in upstate South Carolina, where winters are usually too cold for bottlebrushes.

The cultivar was introduced by Ted Stephens of Nurseries Caroliniana, who noticed the plant's resilience and long bloom in Clemson, South Carolina. The bright red, nectar-rich flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, and the dense, fine-textured foliage gives structure to sunny borders, foundation plantings, and large containers in milder climates.

With a proven track record in Southeastern gardens, 'Clemson' brings a touch of the exotic to temperate landscapes without giving up durability.

Will this plant thrive in your zone?

Plant Profile
At a glance
Hardiness
USDA Zones 7–10
Sun
Full Sun, Part Shade
Soil
Well-drained, Loam, Sandy, Clay
Mature size
Height 3–6 Feet · Spread 3–6 Feet
Growth rate
Moderate
Seasonality
Evergreen
Design Notes

Treat 'Clemson' as the cold-climate gardener's chance at a bottlebrush. The dense, fine-textured evergreen body takes well to a sunny border, a foundation planting, or a clipped informal hedge, and the brilliant red brushes read from a distance, so this is a shrub to place where the bloom can carry. In the colder end of the range, a warm wall or sheltered south-facing pocket buys a few degrees of insurance.

Site near a patio or path where the bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are part of the show, and pair with other sun lovers that enjoy sharp drainage. A large container works well in the coldest gardens, where the whole plant can be moved to shelter for winter.

Flower, Fruit & Foliage

Flowers

Bright red, cylindrical spikes in the classic bottlebrush form open from late spring into early summer, with scattered reblooming through the season. The long, filament-like stamens give each brush a soft, bristly texture and a generous load of nectar that pulls in bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Flowering is heaviest in full sun and after a light shearing.

Foliage

Narrow, lance-shaped leaves are deep green and faintly leathery, with new growth flushing bronze before maturing. The dense evergreen cover gives year-round structure and a faint aromatic scent when crushed, which makes 'Clemson' as useful for screening as for bloom.

Care

Read our full care guide

Light: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light shade.

Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils; avoid standing water.

Water: Regular while establishing, then drought tolerant with occasional deep soaks in long dry spells.

Pruning: Shear lightly after the main bloom to shape and encourage rebloom; tolerates harder cutting back.

Hardiness: USDA zones 7 to 10.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

Woodlanders Growing Process

Because most of our plants are grown from rooted cuttings — alongside seed, air layering, and grafting chosen for each variety — you receive a stronger, true-to-type plant that establishes quickly in your garden.

Sustainable Growing Practices

Raised on organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management — never harsh chemicals — your plant arrives healthy for your garden, your family, and the pollinators they feed.

Supporting Local Biodiversity

Every purchase gives back. We donate to the Aiken Arboretum and support local wildlife conservation, so growing your garden helps protect the wider ecosystem too.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.
Grown in Aiken, South Carolina
At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders
Healthy plants, ready to thrive
Success, made simple
Healthy plants, ready to thrive

Your plant arrives carefully packed and ready to settle in. Unpack them promptly, give them a day or two to acclimate, then plant following the notes we include — that’s all it takes. Clear care guidance comes with every order, so success is the easy part.

Read the care guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.