Important tree for creek health

An important plant in the wild, where it reaches its natural form – a large spreading tree. It reaches a height of about 10 metres in its natural habitat but is usually smaller in cultivation, where it is typically a small tree with pendulous foliage although some forms are more pendulous than others. Once established it is able to tolerate extended dry periods. A useful tree, extremely important for creek health, as it stabilises creek banks. It is a source of nectar for insects and birds. The brushes are usually about 70 mm long by 50 mm diameter, bright red in colour and are usually seen in spring and sometimes in autumn. Propagation easy from both seed and cuttings. Previously was Callistemon viminalis.

Flowering Melaleuca viminalis, September 2025. Photo: Anne Jones

Seed collecting and propagation

Produces small, woody, grey-brown, cup-shaped fruit capsules clustered along its stems. These capsules contain many tiny, brown, dust-like seeds. Collect mature capsules in late spring or summer, dry them in a paper bag until they open, then shake out the seeds. To propagate, sprinkle seeds on the surface of a moist, well-draining seed-raising mix and keep them in a warm, bright spot. Seedlings usually appear in 2–4 weeks.

Seed capsules. Photo: Anne Jones

Tube stock. Photo: Robert Whyte