Callistemon 'Captain Cook'

The cultivar originated as a seedling of Callistemon viminalis. It was noted to have a more dwarf and bushy habit than usual and an abundance of flower buds as a young plant.[1] Originally known and sold as 'Compacta', the name was changed to 'Captain Cook' to mark the 1970 bicentennial of James Cook's voyage to Australia. At a later stage, plants grown from seed were distributed under this name, and the true-to-type variety, which can only be propagated from cuttings became difficult to obtain.[1]

Callistemon 'Captain Cook' grows between 1.5–2 metres (4.9–6.6 ft) high. It forms a dense, slightly weeping shrub.[2] Leaves are narrow and 50 to 60 mm long.[2]

A proliferation of red "brushes" are produced in spring, with further flowering sometimes occurring in late summer or autumn.

Callistemon 'Captain Cook' is most suited to climates ranging from cool-temperate to semi-tropical.[3]

A sunny position enhances flowering, and it performs best when it can be watered during establishment and in spring.[3] It is adaptable to most soils, but prefers well-composted loam.[3] Pruning after flowering helps to maintain the plant's shape.

The cultivar must be propagated from cuttings to maintain its original characteristics.[3] Insect problems include leaf-webbing caterpillars and scale.[3] A small amount of chicken manure or complete plant food applied in spring is also of benefit to growth.[3]

• List of Callistemon cultivars
• Callistemon viminalis