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 with your quote; ask about your preferred size before planning a purchase.
