A compact weeping bottlebrush with bright red brushes in spring and summer and attractive pink new growth. A neat screening and feature native for small gardens.
At a glance
- Plant type: Shrub
- Mature size: 1.5 m H × 1.5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Captain Cook Bottlebrush
Botanically, Callistemon 'Captain Cook' is a shrub in the Myrtaceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 1.5 m tall and 1.5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Red flowers appear in spring and summer.
Where to grow Captain Cook Bottlebrush
Captain Cook Bottlebrush suits warm-temperate and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Captain Cook Bottlebrush does best in clay and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool. For a screen, space plants about 90 cm apart.
Watering & feeding
Captain Cook Bottlebrush does best with regular, moderate watering. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Keep a newly planted specimen evenly watered through its first season; established plants can then follow the water needs above.
Pruning & care
Prune Captain Cook Bottlebrush after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. It clips well, so trim two or three times a year for a formal finish. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Captain Cook Bottlebrush in the garden
Captain Cook Bottlebrush earns its place for drawing nectar-feeding birds into the garden, a fast screen or informal hedge and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Combine Captain Cook Bottlebrush with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Captain Cook Bottlebrush
Plant Sale lists Captain Cook Bottlebrush as tube stock, potted plants and advanced specimens. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
