If you’re looking for a compact bottlebrush for hedging or accent planting, two top contenders are Better John™ Callistemon and Green John™ Callistemon. These modern cultivars offer reliable performance in tough Australian conditions—but how do they differ, and which is right for your project?
Better John™ Callistemon viminalis ‘LJ1’ PVR. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/better-john-callistemon/
Green John™ Callistemon viminalis ‘LJ23’ PVR. http://ozbreed.co.nz/plant-ranges/shrubs-and-ground-covers/green-john-callistemon/
Similarities
Both Better John™ Callistemon and Green John™ Callistemon were bred to outperform older cultivars like ‘Little John’ and ‘Captain Cook’(of which they are both hybrids), and they share a number of strengths:
- Compact Size: Both grow to approximately 60 cm–1 m tall and wide, ideal for low hedging, borders, and modern landscape designs.
- Flowering: Both produce vibrant red bottlebrush flowers during spring, attracting birds and adding seasonal interest.
- Growth Habit: Each has a naturally neat, rounded form requiring minimal pruning to maintain shape.
- Toughness: Both tolerate drought, moderate frost, and a wide range of soils (provided drainage is good).
- Maintenance: Low-maintenance choices for high-impact planting, especially in streetscapes and residential gardens.
Key Differences
| Feature | Better John™ Callistemon | Green John™ Callistemon |
| Foliage | Blue-green mature foliage with soft, silvery new growth | Fresh green mature foliage with lighter green new tips |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Silvery tones suit modern or coastal designs | Classic green suits traditional plantings |
| Growth Habit | Fast to establish, but stays in shape for a long time. | Fast to establish, but stays in shape for a long time. |
| Myrtle Rust Resistance | Moderate | High |
| Ideal Use Cases | Contrast planting, modern landscapes, soft textures | Dense low hedging, disease-prone sites, formal planting |
Summary
Choose Better John™ Callistemon if you’re after a modern look with soft, silvery foliage and a quick-establishing plant for contrast or colour balance in mixed beds.
Choose Green John™ Callistemon if you prefer rich green tones, need extra disease resistance against myrtle rust, or want a greener colour palette.
Both are excellent performers in NZ conditions—your decision comes down to foliage tone, aesthetic fit, and disease resilience needs.