REGELIA velutina

An ornamental shrub with an erect slender stem and an open textured crown that produces scarlet orange short fluffy flowers with golden tips occurring on terminal heads during spring and summer. A desirable garden plant especially in drier climate gardens.

Attractive greyish green, velvety leaves to about 13mm long

Occurs naturally in a few limited areas of the IBRA Region of Esperance Plains in Western Australia.

Prefers light 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

Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended for this species.

1. Sow seed on a porous seed-raising mix and cover lightly. Do not bury the seed deeply.
2. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
3. The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out. 
4. Germination should occur in 21-60 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke:
Many members of this genus are responsive to the pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination may occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in this species.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments are available by clicking here.

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.