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Callistemon viminalis Captain Cook (Bottlebrush)

March 4, 2023
Callistemon - Bottlebrushes
Callistemon viminalis ‘Captain Cook’ (Bottlebrush) is a dense, rounded, evergreen shrub with small, narrow leaves and bright red, bottlebrush flowers, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), in spring and summer.

Callistemon viminalis 'Captain Cook' (Bottlebrush) is a dense, rounded, evergreen shrub with small, narrow leaves and bright red, bottlebrush flowers, up to 6 in. long (15 cm), in spring and summer. The blooms are a copious source of nectar for birds and hummingbirds. They also make excellent cut flowers. Compact, this Callistemon selection is suitable for borders, low hedges or screens. Perfect for small gardens.

  • Grows up to 5-6 ft. tall (150-180 cm) and 3-5 ft. wide (90-150 cm).
  • Easily grown in acidic, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to light shade. Drought tolerant but performs best with regular irrigation.
  • Great as a foundation plant, Mediterranean gardens, wall-side borders or containers.
  • Virtually disease free and pest free. Watch for glasshouse red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects when grown under glass. Deer resistant.
  • Trim to shape after flowering.
  • Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings.

Requirements

Hardiness 10
– 11
Heat Zones 10
– 11
Climate Zones 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Callistemon – Bottlebrushes, Melaleuca
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 5'
– 6'
(150cm
– 180cm)
Spread 3'
– 5'
(90cm
– 150cm)
Spacing 36″
– 60″
(90cm
– 150cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, Wall-Side Borders
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden