CALLISTEMON CAPITAN COOK

Botanical Name: Callistemon viminalis ‘Captain Cook’
Common Names: Bottlebrush ‘Captain Cook’, Red Bottlebrush
Light Requirements: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; adapts to sandy, loamy, and clay soils
Water Needs: Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Dense, narrow, lance-shaped green leaves with a fresh citrus scent when crushed
Flowers: Bright red, brush-like flower spikes; abundant in spring with repeat blooming through summer and fall
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Callistemon ‘Captain Cook’ is admired for its vivid red blooms and dense, upright growth habit, bringing bold color and form to garden borders, hedges, and feature plantings.

Xeriscaping:
An excellent choice for water-wise gardens, it thrives in dry climates with minimal maintenance while providing vibrant seasonal interest.

Pollinator-Friendly Plant:
Its nectar-rich flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a key element in wildlife-supportive landscapes.

Benefits:

Drought Tolerance:
Performs well in hot, dry conditions with low irrigation needs once established.

Low Maintenance:
Pest- and disease-resistant; requires occasional light pruning to maintain shape and encourage blooming.

Ecological Contribution:
Supports pollinators and wildlife throughout a long flowering season.

Vivid Seasonal Color:
Produces masses of eye-catching red flowers that contrast beautifully with its lush green foliage.

Cold Hardy:
Tolerates light frost and performs well in a variety of warm-temperate climates.

Callistemon ‘Captain Cook’ is a vibrant, fast-growing bottlebrush that adds long-lasting color and structure to drought-tolerant gardens. Its dense foliage, brilliant red blooms, and ease of care make it an ideal feature plant for sustainable and pollinator-friendly landscapes.