MELALEUCA elliptica 5g

A medium to large erect shrub 2-3 m high and 1.5-2 m broad, with intricate branching. The foliage is grey-green, with elliptical leaves 15 mm wide by 12 mm long. Large showy red oblong or cylindrical flower spikes appear in spring and summer.

Native to the east coast of Australia.

Prefers well-drained sands or clay loams in an open sunny position, drought and frost resistant.

Grow notes:

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

1. Sow on the surface of the growing mix.
2. Press lightly into the surface. Do not bury the seed.
3. Keep warm & moist, and avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
4. Germination generally occurs in around 14-28 days in the right condition.

The 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, natives 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.