Melaleuca viminalis seed

Callistemon viminalis, known as the Weeping Bottlebrush, is a beautiful weeping small tree up to 8 m tall.

The flowers are borne in spikes 40-150 mm long with prominent red stamens 15-25 mm long. Peak flowering time is late spring and it is common for the species to Flower in spring and autumn or bear small numbers of flowers all year.

New growth emerges from the ends of the inflorescence and the young leaves have bronze-coloured hairs.

Callistemon viminalis is extremely adaptable in cultivation. For optimum results it should be planted in moist well-drained soil in full or partial sun. The species is susceptible to frost damage while small and suitable protection is necessary. C. viminalis will grow in heavy waterlogged soils, in shady wet situations or even and climates where there is sufficient supplementary watering.

It is a valuable species in landscaping, being useful as a screen plant, in erosion control or as a specimen or street tree, where it exhibits smog tolerance. In coastal situations it should not be exposed to severe salt spray.