Kunzea baxteri, commonly known as Scarlet Kunzea, is an evergreen shrub native to the coastal plains and rocky outcrops of Southwestern Australia. It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters (3 to 10 feet) and features branches that are more or less hairy. The plant is renowned for its large, scarlet, bottlebrush-like flower clusters that bloom most prolifically from July to September, with possible flowering as late as March depending on rainfall. Each cluster usually contains 16 to 30 flowers at the ends of branches that continue to grow during the flowering period. The fruit is a cup-shaped or urn-shaped capsule. Scarlet Kunzea’s vibrant flowers and attractive form make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens.

Scarlet Kunzea is valued for its striking red flowers and ease of maintenance. It is often used in gardens as a feature shrub or for informal hedging. This kunzea thrives in a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and wet winters but is adaptable to more humid areas and moderate frosts. It requires a sunny or partly shaded location with well-drained soil. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry periods can promote better flowering. Scarlet Kunzea can be propagated from cuttings grafted onto Kunzea ambigua rootstock. Gardeners should be aware that in some conditions, it may self-seed and become weedy.CC BY-SA 4.0