Callistemon viminalis 'Matthew Flinders'

Species

Callistemon viminalisWeeping Bottlebrush

7 other cultivars

shrub

Matthew Flinders Bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis 'Matthew Flinders'

The Story

Plant Bio

Callistemon viminalis, the weeping bottlebrush, is an evergreen Australian shrub or small tree characterized by its pendulous branches and narrow, lanceolate foliage. The species produces dense, cylindrical spikes of bright red stamens that resemble traditional bottle brushes, blooming primarily in spring with sporadic flushes throughout the warmer months.

'Matthew Flinders' is a compact, dwarf cultivar that reaches only thirty to thirty-nine inches in height and exhibits a dense, rounded growth habit with slightly weeping branchlets. It combines the fine-textured foliage of its parent cultivars, 'Captain Cook' and 'Little John', and produces deep crimson flower spikes from late winter through fall.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a compact, structural form with fine-textured evergreen foliage and vibrant crimson bottlebrush flowers.

Offers high drought tolerance and wind resistance, making it suitable for coastal plantings and low-water landscapes.

Attracts and feeds hummingbirds in North America with nectar-rich terminal blooms.

SpeciesCallistemon viminalisWeeping Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39"

Width

30"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Tolerant of coastal humidity

Lifespan

15-20 years

Native To

Australia (cultivar origin)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late winter – Fall

In flower about 10 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a location that receives full sun to light afternoon shade to maximize flower production.
Ensure the soil is well-drained, amending heavy clay with organic matter or planting on a slight mound if necessary.
Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a low-phosphorus, slow-release native plant fertilizer in early spring to support new growth.
Prune the tips of stems immediately after the primary spring bloom to encourage secondary branching and future flowers.

Pro Tip

Tip-prune the branchlets immediately after the main spring flowering flush to maintain the tight, dwarf form; cutting back into old, leafless wood prevents successful bud break and leaves permanent bare patches.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune immediately after the main spring flowering flush.
Grow in full sun for the most abundant crimson blooms.
Use a low-phosphorus fertilizer formulated for native plants.

Don't

Do not cut back into old, bare wood.
Do not overwater or allow the soil to remain waterlogged.
Do not use standard high-phosphorus fertilizers.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

HedgeBorder EdgingContainer FriendlyMass PlantingCoastal Gardens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Salvia clevelandii Anigozanthos flavidus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Matthew Flinders Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Matthew Flinders Bottlebrush grow in?

Matthew Flinders 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.

When does Matthew Flinders Bottlebrush bloom?

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

Does Matthew Flinders Bottlebrush need full sun?

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

Is Matthew Flinders Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

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