CALOTHAMNUS blepharospermus

An attractive shrub up to 3 metres with claw-like red flowers with yellow tips that form in groups of five that typically occur during Summer or winter.
The flowers contain nectar and are attractive to honey-eating birds.

Calothamnus is a genus of more than 40 species, all of which are found in south Western Australia.

Prefers lightly sandy well-drained soil in an open sunny position, drought and frost-resistant.

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 for germination is around 18-22°C

1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed-raising mix.
2. Sprinkle a light covering of the seed-raising mix over the seed to hold the seed in place. Do not bury the seed too deeply.
3. Water with a fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm-shaded or semi-shaded position. 
5. Keep warm & moist, and avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 14-28 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.