Callistemon viminalis

RHS Plant Profile
weeping bottlebrush
Shrubs Conservatory Greenhouse

A half-hardy, evergreen small shrub or tree with arching to weeping branches bearing aromatic, linear to lanceolate leaves up to 7cm long. Clusters of bright red flowers in cylindrical spikes up to 20cm long are produced in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

4-8 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
4-8 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage
Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Myrtaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy, Pendulous weeping
Genus
Callistemon are evergreen shrubs with aromatic, linear to lance-shaped leaves and bottlebrush-like spikes of flowers in which the long colourful stamens are prominent
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
E Australia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a sheltered position in full sun with a moist but well-drained soil

Propagation

Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

Pruning group 8

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insect, mealy bug and glasshouse red spider mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus