VERTICORDIA densiflora 25g

An upright or spreading shrub 25-100 cm high with pink flowers that occur during spring and summer. Can be variable in habit from densely foliaged to fairly open foliage depending on conditions, ideal for group planting, rockeries, or containers.

Tolerant of coastal conditions. Prune after flowering to maintain compact growth.
Prefers a light well-drained soil in a sunny position. Drought and frost resistance.

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, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 15-23°C

1. Sow seed on a porous seed raising mix and cover lightly. Do not bury 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 21-45 days depending on the temperature and conditions. 

Pre-treatment of smoke: Not considered critical for this species although it may increase germination rates.
Many members of this genus are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination will often occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species of this genus.
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.

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.