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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (2500
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub, tree
Height
:
5 m-10 m
Spread
:
3 m-5 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
bright red
Size
:
5 cm - 15 cm
Period
:
April - September
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.6 cm
This shrub from eastern Australia may be trained as a small tree up to 10 metres high, but will
require support until the stem is strong enough to bear the crown. Its weeping branches produce
bright-red flowers from spring onwards. It makes a terrific silhouette when grown as a multi-
trunked, small tree. The evergreen leaves are up to 10 cm long and flushed with bronze when
young turning light-green later on. Full sun and fertile, well-drained soil are the main require-
ments to promote healthy growth. Some drought is tolerated, while wind and overwatering may
harm the plant. Frost damage is likely to occur in Arriyadh, so that the planting location should
not be exposed. Some cultivars are available, such as ‘Captain Cook’, which is a dwarf varie-
ty. The latter is reproduced by cuttings, while the species may also be propagated by seeds. Its
compact size and moderate requirements make the Weeping Bottlebrush an ideal small tree for
public parks and private gardens alike. Maintenance is little with occasional trimming to keep an
attractive shape. Pruning is best done after flowering, saving the plants’ energy by stopping seed
production. Standard trees require some thinning to adapt the crown’s size to the stability of the
trunk. Transplanting should be done in spring and watering must be frequent until the plant is
established. A dense screen can be created by close planting of Bottle Brushes. It is useful in a
street situation, good on lawns and can be grown in containers.
79
Callistemon viminalis,
Myrtaceae
Weeping Bottlebrush