Callistemon Captain Cook, commonly known as ‘Bottlebrush’, is a vibrant evergreen shrub renowned for its striking, bottlebrush-like flower spikes and attractive foliage. This cultivar features vivid, crimson-red flower clusters with long, protruding stamens that resemble a bottlebrush, providing a bold splash of colour from late spring to summer. The plant’s glossy, narrow leaves create a lush, dense backdrop that enhances the visual appeal of the vibrant blooms. Callistemon ‘Captain Cook’ typically grows to a height of 2.5 metres, with a similar spread, making it a versatile choice for garden beds, borders, or as a decorative specimen plant.
Callistemon Captain Cook care
To ensure your Callistemon ‘Captain Cook’ thrives, plant it in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. It performs best in well-drained soil and can adapt to a range of soil types, including sandy or slightly acidic conditions. Regular watering is important, especially during dry periods, to keep the plant healthy and support abundant blooming.
Applying a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring can enhance growth and flowering. Pruning should be done after flowering, in late summer or early autumn, to remove spent blooms and shape the plant, which can also encourage more vigorous growth and a fuller appearance. In colder climates, providing a layer of mulch around the base of the plant can offer winter protection. With proper care, this cultivar will provide a continuous display of brilliant red bottlebrush flowers, adding vibrant colour and texture to your garden throughout the growing season
