Bottlebrush Slim

Callistemon viminalis ‘Bottlebrush Slim’ (Narrow Bottlebrush)

Callistemon viminalis ‘Slim’, commonly known as Narrow Bottlebrush, is a compact, upright bottlebrush variety that is perfect for narrow spaces, hedging, and screening. This low-maintenance and drought-tolerant Australian native is known for its dense, upright growth, weeping foliage, and brilliant red flowers that attract birds and pollinators.

Key Features

• Scientific Name: Callistemon viminalis ‘Slim’
• Common Name: Slim Bottlebrush, Narrow Bottlebrush
• Family: Myrtaceae
• Native Range: Australia (hybrid cultivar of Callistemon viminalis)
• Growth Habit: Compact, narrow, and upright shrub, growing 3–4 meters tall and 1–1.5 meters wide
• Leaves: Slender, lance-shaped, mid to dark green
• Flowers:
  • Vibrant red bottlebrush-shaped flowers, appearing in spring and autumn
  • Nectar-rich, attracting birds, bees, and butterflies
• Drought & Frost Tolerance: Highly tolerant once established
• Uses: Hedging, screening, narrow gardens, container planting, and small spaces

Growing & Care Guide

1. Planting Requirements

✅ Sunlight: Prefers full sun but tolerates light shade.
✅ Soil: Well-drained sandy, loamy, or clay soils.
✅ pH: Tolerates a range of pH levels, from slightly acidic to neutral.
✅ Location: Perfect for small gardens, courtyards, urban spaces, and privacy screens.

2. Watering & Feeding

💧 Watering:

• Young plants: Water regularly to establish roots.
• Mature plants: Drought-tolerant but benefits from occasional deep watering in dry periods.

🌱 Fertilization:

• Use a low-phosphorus, slow-release native fertilizer in spring and autumn.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

3. Pruning & Maintenance

✂️ Pruning:

• Light pruning after flowering encourages more blooms and maintains shape.
• Can be trimmed into a hedge or maintained as a slender screen.

🌿 Mulching:

• Apply organic mulch (e.g., bark or compost) around the base for moisture retention.

4. Pests & Diseases

🐜 Pest Resistance:

• Generally pest-free, but may occasionally attract scale insects or psyllids.
• If needed, use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.

🦠 Disease Resistance:

• Root rot can occur in waterlogged soils, so ensure proper drainage.

5. Propagation

🌱 Grown from Seeds or Cuttings:

• Seeds: Can be collected from mature seed capsules but take longer to grow.
• Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings taken in spring/summer give faster results.

6. Landscaping & Uses

✅ Narrow Hedges & Screens: Perfect for tight spaces and fence-line planting.
✅ Feature Plant: Adds structure and color to small gardens.
✅ Wildlife Attraction: Birds, bees, and butterflies love its nectar-rich flowers.
✅ Coastal & Drought-Tolerant Gardens: Thrives in hot, dry, and coastal areas.
✅ Container Planting: Can be grown in large pots for patios and balconies.

Why Grow Callistemon viminalis ‘Bottlebrush Slim’?

• Perfect for narrow spaces – Ideal for hedging, screening, or feature planting.
• Low-maintenance & drought-tolerant – Thrives in harsh conditions.
• Attracts pollinators – Great for supporting biodiversity in your garden.
• Year-round greenery with seasonal flowers – Provides interest throughout the year.