hey

it shouldnt need as much light in winter .... it should be dormant ... and many things get different colors in winter .. though i never grew a BB ...

i would expect over watering.. to create yellow leaves... as which i dont see any ...

other than that.. i can not really focus on your pic all that great ... might you not be able to get a bit closer???

could it be.. perhaps.. that you are getting a little antsy for spring.. and this thing isnt ready to get going yet ...??? ... give it a few more weeks .. and lets see what happens ... vigorous spring shoots would answer all your questions ....

give it time.. and obviously.. do not water if you know the soil is already damp ... insert finger and keep track ...

do you happen to know the full cultivar name??? .. might make a difference

ken

Here is a closer picture. Hopefully this is a little better. I certainly hear what you are saying, but unless I am mistaken, bottlebrushes are evergreen. I agree they shouldn't be exploding with growth yet, but they sure look sick to me...

These are Callistemon citrinus or little john bottlebrush.

In contrast, here is my full size bottle brush that was planted at the same time. it gets the same amount of water and even less light during winter and it looks nice and healthy.

That first picture shows you planted it right next to the downspout.
Could that have anything to do with it?
Mike

I think so. Definitely *not* the same amount of water for the two shrubs.

They need good drainage. And they ARE evergreen. I suspect soggy roots.

Sara