Under these conditions all species can be short lived even in well drained soils. In drier climates the plants are desirable garden subjects, the colourful bottlebrush or globular-shaped flower clusters being attractive to birds. B.decussata is probably the hardiest member of the genus and has been grown and flowered in the Sydney area for some years. It is a species with a very erect growth habit comprising a number of tall unbranched stems giving the plant an open, lanky appearance. The combination of the rigid leaf arrangement and the tall, narrow growth habit give the plant a very distinctive appearance.
Flowers open in late summer at a time when flowering garden plants are scarce.
An unusual feature is that the flower buds start to develop up to 12 months before the flowers open. This makes pruning difficult as it removes the next season's flowers. Following flowering, seeds develop in woody capsules similar to those formed with Melaleuca species. The seeds are retained within the capsules indefinitely. The species should be grown in well drained conditions in full sun or dappled shade and it is tolerant of at least moderate frost.