Callistemon viminalis Bright Pink - Bottlebrush

Callistemon viminalis 'Bright Pink' is a variety of Bottlebrush that is interesting for its more compact size than the typical species, reaching an average height of 3m (9ft 10in) with a spread of only 1.50m. This small tree, with beautiful ornamental qualities, has a semi-weeping habit, fine and elegant evergreen foliage, and dazzling spring flowering in the form of bright pink bottlebrush-like spikes, lighter than the cultivar 'Hot Pink'. Depending on the climate, the flowering can be perpetual in autumn. It is a fairly adaptable species in cultivation, valuable for landscaping in mild climates. It can be planted in a row to form a screen, or even as a standalone specimen in a small garden. It is also a good greenhouse plant in colder climates.

Callistemon viminalis, also known as Weeping Bottlebrush, is a large shrub in the myrtle family, related to myrtles and Leptospermum, native to southeastern Australia, specifically the states of New South Wales and Queensland, where it is often found growing along watercourses, in partial shade. It reaches a height of 15m (49ft 2in) in its natural environment, but rarely exceeds 7m (23ft) with a spread of 2 to 3m (6ft 7in to 9ft 10in) under our climates.

It is an evergreen shrub in mild climates, with brittle wood, forming a dense domed crown composed of trailing branches. Its growth is rather fast. Its linear and narrow foliage is divided into leaflets measuring 2 to 8cm (0.8 to 3.1in) long, with a beautiful grey-green colour. In spring, young shoots tinged with red appear at the tips of the branches. Its axillary flowers are composed of very long pink stamens, arranged in cylindrical spikes at the tips of flexible young branches. These inflorescences are about 5cm (2in) in diameter and 7cm (2.8in) in length, and hang slightly. The terminal bud develops new leaves and then new spikes several times, while the old inflorescence produces small cup-shaped fruits. The flowering can occur multiple times during the season in cool soil and warm climate, especially in late summer. Its grey-brown bark is fissured and decorative. It is also a honey and nectar plant that attracts many pollinating insects to the garden.

Hardy to about -5°C/-6°C (21.2 °F), Callistemon viminalis tolerates summer drought once established, but appreciates water in dry climates. In a greenhouse or conservatory, it can be combined with an orange tree, a Tibouchina or a Mimosa to create an extremely decorative quartet, evoking landscapes with exotic charm and fragrances. In mild climates, especially on the Mediterranean coast or in the south of the Atlantic façade of our country, it can be used as a standalone specimen - it deserves it - in an informal hedge or at the back of a border, even on the edge of woodland. It can also be planted in an evergreen hedge, accompanied by a shrub Ceanothus ('Italian Skies', 'Concha', 'Puget Blue', 'Skylark'...), a spring-flowering broom, or Oleanders (Nerium oleander 'Soleil Levant' or 'Provence'). Its good tolerance to salt allows for coastal exposure, facing wind and salt spray.