Better John BottleBrush

Are they harmful to cattle?

Better John bottlebrush plants are not known to be toxic to cattle or other livestock, so they are generally safe if animals graze nearby.

Will plants be in good shape when received, after shipping?

Yes! We stake, bag the buckets and sleeve the plants to ensure no movement of dirt or plants during delivery of your order. We also add "this side up" stickers to the package so the freight companies know not to flip it over. However, we have no control over how the freight companies treat your package. We do our best to secure the plants. 

Can this plant do well in large pots?

Yes, Better John bottlebrush plants can thrive in large pots, as long as they have good drainage and receive plenty of sunlight. Containers should have holes for excess water, and the plants may need winter protection in colder climates.

Is "better john" smaller than "little john" bottlebrush? Some websites describe it as a smaller but denser plant, but here they are listed about the same size 3'x5'. Thank you.

Yes, Better John is generally a compact variety, similar in size to Little John but often described as a denser, more lush plant with fuller foliage.

Is better john different than little john?

While both varieties are similar, Better John is often marketed as an improved version of Little John due to its compact form and greater resistance to environmental stress.

How tall does this get

Better John bottlebrush typically reaches a mature height of around 2-3 feet tall and about 3-4 feet wide, making it ideal for compact garden spaces or container planting.

Does better john bottlebrush bloom as much as little john... which one has the longer bloom time? I've tried to call, even left a message, but can't get you. Please call me at 409-656-8007, I have some questions before I order... Debbie Cox

Both the 'Better John' and 'Little John' varieties of bottlebrush are known for their attractive, bright red blooms, but 'Better John' generally has a longer and more prolific bloom cycle. It’s often selected over 'Little John' for continuous flowering and adaptability, especially in warmer climates. 'Little John' blooms heavily in spring and fall, with some sporadic blooms in summer, whereas 'Better John' tends to have an extended bloom period that can persist from spring through early fall in optimal conditions.

Will Better John bloom the first year it's planted?

Yes, Better John bottlebrush typically blooms within the first year of planting if it receives sufficient sunlight and proper care. Planting in spring can encourage blooms as it becomes established.

Are the Better John bottlebrush evergreen and can they take cold weather?

Better John bottlebrush plants are evergreen in warmer climates and are generally cold-hardy to about 15-20°F. In climates with colder winters, they may lose some foliage, but typically survive mild frost.

Hi, i just recently planted 3 of the better john bottle brush plants in full sun with black cow soil covering the plants, for some reason the plants appear to be dying with the leaves discoloring with a rough crispy texture. Please tell me what have i done wrong?

The discoloration and crispy leaves may be due to overwatering or poor drainage. Bottlebrush plants prefer well-draining soil, and Black Kow compost, while nutrient-rich, can hold too much moisture. Adjusting to a fast-draining soil mix may help the plants recover.

My better John bottlebrush tree is not looking good. All of the foliage is brown and falling off except at the very base of the bottle brush tree is this normal for the winter months?

In cooler winter months, bottlebrush plants may experience some leaf drop or browning due to cold stress. However, if all foliage turns brown, it could indicate root issues or lack of watering consistency. In warmer climates, they should stay green year-round.