Callistemon viminalis Captain Cook - Bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis 'Captain Cook' is an interesting variety of Bottlebrush due to its small size, reaching an average height of 2 m (6 ft 7 in) with a spread of only 1 m (3 ft 3 in). This small tree, with its beautiful ornamental qualities, has a semi-weeping habit, fine and elegant evergreen foliage, and dazzling spring flowering in the form of bright red bottlebrush-like spikes. Depending on the climate, flowering can also occur in autumn. It is a fairly adaptable species, valuable for landscaping in mild climates. It can be planted in a row to form a screen, or even as a standalone specimen in a small garden. It is also a good conservatory plant in colder climates.

Callistemon viminalis, also known as Weeping Bottlebrush, is a large shrub from the myrtle family, related to myrtles and Leptospermum, native to southeastern Australia, specifically the states of New South Wales and Queensland, where it is commonly found growing along watercourses in partial shade. It can reach a height of 15 m (49 ft 2 in) in its natural environment, but in colder climates it rarely exceeds 7 m (23 ft) with a spread of 2 to 3 m (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in).

It is an evergreen shrub in mild climates, with brittle wood, forming a dense dome-shaped crown with trailing branches. It has a relatively fast growth rate. Its linear and narrow foliage is divided into leaflets measuring 2 to 8 cm (0.8 to 3.1 in) long, with a beautiful grey-green colour. In spring, young shoots tinted with red emerge at the end of the branches. Its axillary flowers are composed of very long bright red stamens, arranged in cylindrical spikes at the end of flexible young branches. These inflorescences are around 5 cm (2 in) in diameter and 7 cm (2.8 in) in length, and they droop slightly. The terminal bud repeatedly develops new leaves, then new spikes, while the old inflorescence produces small cup-shaped fruits. Flowering can occur multiple times during the season in cool soil and a warm climate, especially in late summer. Its grey-brown bark is fissured and decorative. It is also a plant that attracts many pollinating insects to the garden.

Hardy down to about -5 °C/-6 °C (23/21.2 °F), Callistemon viminalis tolerates summer drought once established, but appreciates regular watering in dry climates. In a greenhouse or conservatory, it can be combined with an orange tree, a Tibouchina, or a mimosa to create an extremely decorative quartet, evoking landscapes with exotic charm and scents. In mild climates, it can be used as a standalone specimen - it deserves it - as a free hedge or in the back of a border, even on the edge of a woodland. It can also be planted in an evergreen hedge, accompanied by a shrubby ceanothus ('Italian Skies', 'Concha', 'Puget Blue', 'Skylark', etc.), a spring-flowering broom, or oleanders ('Soleil Levant' or 'Provence'). Its good tolerance to salt allows for coastal exposure, facing the wind and sea spray.