Genus Callistemon Origin Queensland | Cultivar 'Captain Cook' | |
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Hybrid parentage Seedling selection of Callistemon viminalis Similar Bottlebrushes, Melaleuca viminalis, Callistemon salignus, Callistemon 'Splendens', Melaleuca citrina | ||
Callistemon 'Captain Cook' is a cultivar of the plant genus Callistemon, widely grown as an ornamental plant.
Contents
History
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. 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.
Description
Callistemon 'Captain Cook' grows between 1.5–2 metres (4.9–6.6 ft) high. It forms a dense, slightly weeping shrub. Leaves are narrow and 50 to 60 mm long.
A proliferation of red "brushes" are produced in spring, with further flowering sometimes occurring in late summer or autumn.
Cultivation
Callistemon 'Captain Cook' is most suited to climates ranging from cool-temperate to semi-tropical.
A sunny position enhances flowering, and it performs best when it can be watered during establishment and in spring. It is adaptable to most soils, but prefers well-composted loam. Pruning after flowering helps to maintain the plant's shape.
The cultivar must be propagated from cuttings to maintain its original characteristics. Insect problems include leaf-webbing caterpillars and scale. A small amount of chicken manure or complete plant food applied in spring is also of benefit to growth.
