lesser bottlebrush

Melaleuca phoenicea is a large shrub or small tree growing to 6 m (20 ft) high. Its leaves are arranged alternately and are 31–114 mm (1–4 in) long, 3–10 mm (0.1–0.4 in) wide, flat and linear to egg-shaped with the narrower end towards the base. The leaves are thick and bluish-green and have a mid-vein, 11–18 indistinct lateral veins and prominent oil glands.

The flowers are brilliant red or rich scarlet and are arranged in spikes on the ends of branches that continue to grow after flowering and also on the sides of the branches. The spikes are 50–65 mm (2–3 in) in diameter with 15 to 55 individual flowers. The petals are 2.9–7.3 mm (0.1–0.3 in) long and fall off as the flower ages. There are 39–56 stamens in each flower. Flowering occurs mainly from October to January but also at other times of the year and is followed by fruit that are woody capsules, 4.3–6 mm (0.17–0.24 in) long.

This melaleuca grows in the south west of Western Australia but there are also scattered populations in some of the more arid areas of that state. It grows in sandy soils, often along watercourses.

Melaleuca phoenicea is often cultivated as Callistemon phoeniceus. It is hardy and will grow in most soils provided there is adequate moisture and exposure to the sun. It benefits from light pruning and the application of fertiliser.