Weeping Bottlebrush

(Callistemon viminalis)

Weeping Bottlebrush (Callistemon viminalis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Callistemon viminalis, commonly known as Weeping Bottlebrush, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to open woodlands and along watercourses in Eastern Australia. It typically grows to 10 m (30 ft) tall with hard, fibrous, furrowed bark and multiple trunks, often featuring pendulous branches. The foliage is narrow and lance-shaped, creating a weeping effect. The bright red bottlebrush flowers, which bloom in spring and summer, are particularly showy, arranged in spikes at the branch tips and continuing to grow after flowering. Each spike consists of 15 to 50 individual flowers with prominent stamens, giving the appearance of a brush used to clean bottles. After flowering, woody capsules form, containing the seeds.

Weeping Bottlebrush is valued for its striking floral display and ability to attract pollinators such as birds and bees. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and urban landscapes, often used for screening and as a street tree. This species thrives in full sun and can adapt to a range of soil types, provided they have medium drainage. While it requires regular watering to establish, mature plants can tolerate drought. However, it is not frost-hardy and is sensitive to salt spray. Callistemon viminalis is potentially invasive outside its native range, notably in Florida, and should be planted with caution in such areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
  • Height: 15-20 feet
  • Width: 15-20 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Red
  • Flowering Season: Fall, Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Open woodlands and along watercourses

Other Names

Common Names: Drooping Bottlebrush, Red Bottlebrush, Creek Bottlebrush, Trauer-Zylinderputzer

Scientific Names: , Callistemon viminalis,

GBIF Accepted Name: Callistemon viminalis (Sol. ex Gaertn.) G.Don