Overview
Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' is a bushy shrubs in the genus Callistemon, part of the Myrtaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, mediterranean climate plants and patio and container plants.
About
Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' is a bushy evergreen shrub cultivar of the Callistemon genus, known for its fragrant, narrow to lanceolate leaves and distinctive bottlebrush-like flower spikes with vividly coloured stamens. This cultivar thrives in full sun and prefers a sheltered position facing south or west. It grows well in fertile, well-drained soils including clay, loam, and sand with acid to neutral pH. Hardy to UK zone H3, it is suitable for city and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climates, patios, and containers, with interest in spring and summer. Propagation is by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Callistemon
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Shrubs, Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant'
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insect, mealy bug and glasshouse red spider mite
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant'?
Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' need?
Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' hardy in the UK?
Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant' has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Callistemon viminalis 'Malawi Giant'?
Propagate by seed or from semi-hardwood cuttings.
More in the Callistemon genus
- Callistemon formosuscliff bottlebrush
- Callistemon sieberi 'Widdicombe Gem'
- Callistemon teretifolius
- Callistemon viminalis 'Hannah Ray'
- Callistemon viminalis 'Little John'bottlebrush 'Little John'
- Callistemon 'Red Rocket'
- Callistemon viridisgreen bottlebrush