HYBANTHUS aurantiacus

A compact perennial shrub in the violet family that grows to 60 cm in height and produces attractive single orange spade-shaped petals and smaller lateral petals from May to October in its natural range.
Stems can be smooth or hairy with alternate or clustered leaves that are linear to lanceolate, to 30 mm long.

Can be successfully grown as pot plants in any fertile very well-drained soil in full sun throughout the year.
Prefers a light sandy soil well-composted in an open sunny position, drought and frost resistant.

Occurs throughout central Australia. Drought is tolerant and resistant to the occasional light frost.

Grow notes:

Seed is usually best sown in spring or autumn in temperate climates, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination of this genus is around 18-22°C

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended for this species.
Research has shown that many members of this genus to be responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will may occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates of this species.

Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying it to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.

1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed raising mix. The seed will lodge in the pores of the mix once watered.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 21-28 days in the right conditions.

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.