'Slim' Bottlebrush – Callistemon viminalis 'Slim'

Callistemon 'Slim' is a popular choice for narrow spaces, boundary planting, and screening where width is limited. With its upright, columnar growth habit and masses of bright red flowers in spring and summer, it offers both structure and colour to modern landscapes. A favourite among birds and bees, 'Slim' is hardy, low-maintenance, and well-suited to tight planting zones.

Quick Overview:

• Height and Width: Grows 2–3 meters tall and 1–1.5 meters wide
• Foliage: Dense, narrow green leaves on upright branches
• Flowers: Bright red bottlebrush spikes in spring and summer
• Growth Habit: Tall and narrow, columnar form
• Position: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Prefers moist, well-drained soil; adaptable to various soil types
• Tolerance: Light frost and drought tolerant once established
• Maintenance: Light pruning after flowering helps maintain shape
• Etymology: Callistemon from Greek kallos (beautiful) and stemon (stamen); ‘Slim’ refers to its narrow, upright form

Detailed Description:
Callistemon viminalis 'Slim' is a compact, upright-growing cultivar specially developed for gardens where space is at a premium. Its vertical, narrow habit—growing up to 3 meters tall and only 1 to 1.5 meters wide—makes it an excellent choice for tight spaces such as side boundaries, driveways, courtyards, and narrow beds.

In spring and summer, 'Slim' becomes covered in vibrant red bottlebrush flowers that stand out beautifully against its neat green foliage. These nectar-rich blooms are a magnet for birds, bees, and butterflies, making it a valuable addition to wildlife-friendly gardens.

Its naturally tidy shape requires minimal pruning, though it responds well to a light trim after flowering to maintain its structure and encourage repeat blooming. Once established, it is tolerant of dry spells and light frost and performs reliably in a range of soil types.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Watering: Water regularly during establishment; low water needs once mature
• Pruning: Light pruning after flowering helps maintain upright form and encourages bushiness
• Symmetry and Health: Remove any dead or crossing branches periodically
• Fertilising: Apply an all-purpose fertiliser in spring to support flowering and overall health
• Positioning: Best in full sun but tolerates part shade

Common Uses:

• Narrow hedges or privacy screens
• Upright feature in small garden beds
• Bird and pollinator-friendly plantings
• Containers for patios and balconies
• Tight spaces along fences, driveways, and walls

Planting Benefits:

• Perfect for Tight Spaces: Ideal for small gardens, courtyards, and narrow beds
• Bold Colour: Bright red flowers bring vibrant seasonal interest
• Wildlife Friendly: Attracts nectar-feeding birds, bees, and butterflies
• Easy-Care: Low maintenance and drought-hardy once established
• Versatile Form: Can be used for hedging, screening, or as a vertical accent

‘Slim’ delivers the beauty and benefits of a classic bottlebrush in a space-saving form—perfect for modern gardens and urban landscapes where every centimetre counts.