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'Red Cascade' Weeping Bottle Brush Melaleuca viminalis 'Red Cascade'

Other Common Name(s):

Previously known as:

  • Callistemon viminalis 'Red Cascade'
Phonetic Spelling
vim-in-AH-liss
Description

Callistemon viminalis, or Weeping bottlebrush, is a small drought-resistant, multi-trunked, tree in the Myrtaceae (Myrtle) family. The name Weeping Bottlebrush derives from how the flower placement resembles that of a Bottlebrush. The plant's rounded or weeping branches are quite strong and not prone to breakage, the tree's growth rate is rapid and, once mature, it can reach a height and width of 20 feet. Large numbers of red flowers, in a shape that resembles bottlebrushes, appear spring through summer, lending color to the tree, and the nectar of the blooms attracts hummingbirds. Later in the season, the tree's fruit attracts birds and small mammals. An interesting appearance is maintained through the fall and winter with furrowed exfoliating gray bark. 

Weeping bottlebrush grows well in many soil types and prefers a well-drained site in full sun. It does not do well in the shade. It needs regular watering but can survive drought as a mature plant; it is not frost hardy and will also succumb to salt spray. It has a unique sculptural form and is a great choice for a street tree or planting under utility lines. This cultivar was introduced by Los Angeles State and County Arboretum, Arcadia, CA. An ideal specimen tree for hot, dry, low maintenance landscapes, it does produce some leaf and flower litter so take that into consideration when planting it near hardscapes.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: 

Susceptible to mites and insect galls and root rot, canker and witches broom can be problems.

More information on Melaleuca viminalis.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#weeping#hummingbird friendly#evergreen#showy flowers#small tree#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#interesting bark#specimen#nectar plant#winter interest#street tree#small mammals#children's garden#playground plant#pollinator plant#cozy#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#weeping#hummingbird friendly#evergreen#showy flowers#small tree#heat tolerant#drought tolerant#interesting bark#specimen#nectar plant#winter interest#street tree#small mammals#children's garden#playground plant#pollinator plant#cozy#bird friendly#butterfly friendly#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Callistemon
    Species:
    viminalis
    Family:
    Myrtaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Australia
    Wildlife Value:
    Flowers provide nectar to hummingbirds. Fruits are attractive to birds and small mammals.
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Attracts Pollinators
    Wildlife Food Source
    Dimensions:
    Height: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 15 ft. 0 in. - 20 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Rounded
    Weeping
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Occasionally Dry
    Very Dry
    Available Space To Plant:
    12-24 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    1-3 inches
    Flower Description:
    Flower arrangement on the tree resembles a bottlebrush. Flowers are a very showy red and appear in spring or summer. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower).
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Gray/Silver
    Green
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    3-6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Gray-green, narrow lanceolate, evergreen.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Dark Gray
    Light Gray
    Surface/Attachment:
    Exfoliating
    Bark Description:
    Hard grey bark exfoliates in the fall and winter.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Recreational Play Area
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Children's Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Specimen
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Hummingbirds
    Songbirds
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought