Species

Callistemon viminalisWeeping Bottlebrush

7 other cultivars

shrub

Weeping Bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis 'Hannah Ray'

The Story

Plant Bio

Callistemon viminalis, the weeping bottlebrush, is a large evergreen shrub or small tree native to eastern Australia, characterized by its graceful, pendulous branches and lax branchlets. The species features narrow-lanceolate, grey-green leaves and produces dense, cylindrical spikes of bright red stamens that resemble a bottle brush.

'Hannah Ray' is distinguished by its highly pronounced weeping habit and bright pink or bronze-colored new growth that emerges at the tips of its pendulous branches. The cultivar produces exceptionally showy, bright scarlet to crimson-red flower spikes primarily in spring, with sporadic repeat blooms in warmer weather.

Uses & Benefits:

Features a highly graceful weeping habit, bright pink new growth, and brilliant crimson bottlebrush flowers.

Functions as an effective windbreak, privacy screen, or erosion control barrier on slopes.

Provides abundant nectar for bees, butterflies, and North American hummingbirds.

SpeciesCallistemon viminalisWeeping Bottlebrush

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

157"

Width

89"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9, 10

Water

Low to Moderate

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to pets

Bloom period

Spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in a full sun location to maximize the density of the foliage and the abundance of the spring flower display.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and set the plant at the same depth as it was in the container.
Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, drought-tolerant root system.
Apply a light layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture, keeping it clear of the trunk.

Pro Tip

Prune immediately behind each spent flower spike; cutting back severely into old, leafless wood prevents the plant from reshooting.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Do prune lightly immediately after the main spring flowering flush to maintain a dense, weeping form.
Do use a low-phosphorus native-formulated fertilizer sparingly in early spring if soil is highly depleted.
Do protect young plants from hard freezes if temperatures threaten to drop below twenty degrees Fahrenheit.

Don't

Don't prune hard into old, bare wood, as the plant cannot regenerate from old leafless stems.
Don't plant in deep, heavy shade, which severely restricts flowering and leads to sparse, leggy growth.
Don't overwater once established, though it tolerates periodic dampness better than other dry-adapted species.

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

Specimen PlantPrivacy ScreenWindbreakCoastal GardenHedge

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lantana camara Salvia leucantha

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Weeping Bottlebrush questions

What zones can Weeping Bottlebrush grow in?

Weeping Bottlebrush is hardy in USDA Zones 8–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Weeping Bottlebrush deer resistant?

Yes — Weeping Bottlebrush is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Weeping Bottlebrush bloom?

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

Does Weeping Bottlebrush need full sun?

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

Is Weeping Bottlebrush drought tolerant?

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