Species

Callistemon viminalisWeeping Bottlebrush

7 other cultivars

shrub

Macarthur Bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis 'Macarthur'

The Story

Plant Bio

Callistemon viminalis, the weeping bottlebrush, is an evergreen Australian shrub or small tree characterized by pendulous branches and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The species produces cylindrical spikes of bright red stamens at the branch tips, which resemble bottle brushes and appear primarily in spring and summer.

'Macarthur' is a compact, semi-dwarf cultivar that forms a dense, rounded shrub reaching five to six feet in height. It is distinguished by its tidy growth habit, fresh mid-green foliage, and a more prolific display of bright red flower spikes in both spring and fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Produces dense, bright red bottlebrush flowers against clean, mid-green foliage on a compact, rounded frame.

Functions as an effective low hedge or windbreak with high tolerance for coastal salt spray and drought once established.

Provides nectar for hummingbirds, bees, and other beneficial pollinators, while the dense habit offers nesting cover.

SpeciesCallistemon viminalisWeeping Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

72"

Width

60"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

High

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Spring – Fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site in full sun to light shade with well-drained soil.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and of equal depth.
Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen any circling roots, and place it in the hole.
Backfill with native soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly to settle the root zone.

Pro Tip

Prune lightly immediately after each major flowering flush to maintain a tight, bushy form; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents regeneration and leaves permanent bare patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune immediately after flowering to encourage dense new growth.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Water deeply but infrequently once the root system is established.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, leafless wood lacking green growth.
Avoid planting in poorly drained soils where water pools.
Do not use high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Low hedgeSpecimen plantCoastal gardenFoundation planting

Companion Plants

Callicarpa americana Salvia clevelandii Rosmarinus officinalis

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Macarthur Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Macarthur Bottlebrush grow in?

Macarthur Bottlebrush is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Macarthur Bottlebrush deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Macarthur Bottlebrush, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Macarthur Bottlebrush bloom?

Macarthur Bottlebrush typically blooms in spring through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Macarthur Bottlebrush need full sun?

Macarthur Bottlebrush does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Macarthur Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Macarthur Bottlebrush handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.