Water-Wise Gardening

California-Friendly Plant: Dwarf Bottle Brush

If you’re looking to add a burst of color to your garden this summer, then look no further than the Dwarf Bottle Brush. This shrub has bright red flowers that explode from its dark evergreen leaves. The blooms last through spring and summer and are a great way to liven up your garden without a lot of water or maintenance.

This plant works well as a hedge, attracts hummingbirds and has the added bonus of being fire-resistant, making it an excellent perimeter plant for our fire-prone region. Once established, water the plant weekly through the hot months and let nature do the rest through winter. The shrub grows slowly, keeping pruning to a minimum.