An evergreen native shrub, which can grow in an erect or more spreading manner depending on the situation or parentage of the plant.
The needle-like leaves are dark green and are crowded along the stems.
The flowers of Calothamnus quadrifidus are particularly distinctive and attractive, they are bright red, borne on one-sided spikes and they have a soft feathery appearance. They are similar to Callistemon in appearance but in contrast the flowers are rather lop-sided.
They are frost sensitive when young, but become more hardy as they become established.
Calothamnus quadrifidus prefer an open, sunny location though can tolerate some shade throughout the day.