Species

Callistemon viminalisWeeping Bottlebrush

3 other cultivars

shrub

Hannah Ray Bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis 'Hannah Ray'

The Story

Plant Bio

Callistemon viminalis, the weeping bottlebrush, is an evergreen Australian tree or large shrub native to watercourses in New South Wales and Queensland, characterised by its pendulous branches and fine, weeping foliage. The species produces dense, brush-like spikes of bright red stamens at the branch tips, attracting nectar-feeding birds throughout its flowering season.

'Hannah Ray' is a highly regarded horticultural selection distinguished by its graceful, weeping habit and striking bright pink new growth that contrasts against the mature grey-green foliage. The cultivar produces large, dense crimson flower spikes primarily in mid-spring, with sporadic follow-up flushes in autumn.

Uses & Benefits:

Graceful weeping form with bright pink new growth and vibrant crimson bottlebrush flowers.

Functions well as a fast-growing privacy screen or windbreak that tolerates occasional wet soils.

Provides a rich source of nectar for native honeyeaters, bees, and other beneficial insects.

SpeciesCallistemon viminalisWeeping Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

180 inches

Width

90 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

High to low

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Mid-spring – Autumn

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun to partially shaded position in well-draining soil.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it clear of the trunk.
Prune lightly after the spring flowering flush to encourage dense growth and future blooms.

Pro Tip

Never prune back into the bare, leafless interior wood, as Callistemon lacks dormant buds on old wood and will fail to resprout.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Prune lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a compact shape.
Water during extended dry periods to maintain lush foliage.
Use a low-phosphorus native fertiliser if feeding is required.

Don't

Do not prune hard into old, leafless wood as it will not resprout.
Avoid over-fertilising, which can lead to excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Do not allow the soil to remain waterlogged for prolonged periods.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Specimen plantingScreeningWindbreaksBird gardens

Companion Plants

Westringia fruticosa Anigozanthos flavidus Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Hannah Ray Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Hannah Ray Bottlebrush grow in?

Hannah Ray 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 Hannah Ray Bottlebrush bloom?

Hannah Ray Bottlebrush typically blooms in mid-spring through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Hannah Ray Bottlebrush need full sun?

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

Is Hannah Ray Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

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