ASTROLOMA foliosum

An erect shrub that is native to a small area around Perth Western Australia 0.2-1.3 metres in height. Bright green short conifer like leaves, flowers occur from late Autumn to early spring when it is smothered in tubular bright red flowers that have a striking green and black tip.

Short, bright green, needle like leaves, from late autumn to early spring it is covered in bright red, tubular flowers that have a striking black and green tip.

Prefers a well-drained soil in a sunny position or partial shade partial shade. Drought tolerant.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature is around 18-22°C for this species.

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended.

This genus is responsive to smoke, although it is not critical for germination of this species it proved beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates. Smoke treatments available by clicking here.

1. Sow 2mm deep
2. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
3. Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
4. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
5. Germination generally occurs in around 14-42 days in the right condition.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.