MELALEUCA lateritia

The Robin Red-breast Bush is one of many beautiful Melaleuca species from Western Australia with orange-red bottlebrush flower spikes growing up to 9 cm long and 5 cm in diameter that occur in spring and autumn.
An erect shrub and although rarely exceeding 1.5 m high by 1 m in damp situations can reach 2.5 metres. Leaves are light green, about 2 cm long more or less linear and taper to a fine point.

Occurs naturally in the region of Geraldton Sandplains, Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain and Warren in Western Australia.

Prefers medium well-drained soil in an open sunny position. Frost resistant but drought tender.

Grow notes:

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 on the surface of the growing mix.
2. Press lightly into the surface. Do not bury the seed.
3. Keep warm & moist, 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 are discarded.