'Red Cascade' Weeping Bottle Brush

Callistemon viminalis (vim-in-AH-liss)

Family: Myrtaceae Unknown Understory (15-40 ft)

'Red Cascade' is a small evergreen tree cultivar of the weeping bottlebrush tree native to Australia in the Myrtaceae (Myrtle) family. The Los Angeles State and County Arboretum, Arcadia, CA, introduced this cultivar. 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. Itgrows well in many soil types and prefers a well-drained site in full sun. It needs regular watering but can survive drought as a mature plant. It is not frost-hardy or salt-tolerant. Large numbers of red flowers, in a shape that resembles bottlebrushes, appear from 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. It has a unique sculptural form and is a great choice for a street tree or planting under utility lines. An ideal specimen tree for hot, dry, low-maintenance landscapes. It does produce some leaf and flower litter so consider that when planting it near hardscape. 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 .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 52 attributes.