Melaleuca viridiflora – Red-flowering Paperbark (Rubiflora form)

Description

Melaleuca viridiflora – Red-flowering Paperbark (Rubiflora form)

Family: Myrtaceae
Packet size: Approx. 500+ seeds

Description

This Australian native paperbark is grown for its attractive foliage and bottlebrush-like flower clusters. Brad collects this seed from an established red-flowering parent tree at a local club. The name “Rubiflora” describes the red-flowering form, not a registered or seed-stable cultivar.

Key features

• Seed source: Red-flowering parent of Melaleuca viridiflora.
• Flower colour: The parent flowers red; seedlings may vary and are not guaranteed to flower red.
• Habit: Evergreen native shrub or small tree, depending on conditions.

Growing conditions

Provide a sunny to lightly shaded position and a suitable well-drained growing medium. Keep young plants watered while they establish.

Propagation from seed

1. Fill a clean seed tray or small pot with moist, free-draining seed-raising mix.
2. Sprinkle the fine seeds evenly over the surface and gently press them into the mix. Do not bury them.
3. Place in a warm, sheltered position with bright, indirect light, ideally around 20–25°C.
4. Keep the mix consistently moist using a fine mist or gentle bottom watering. Avoid washing the seeds away.
5. Germination may take approximately 2–8 weeks, depending on growing conditions.
6. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully transplant them into individual pots and gradually introduce them to brighter conditions.

Seed-grown variation: These are seeds, not cloned plants. Parent flower colour and growth habit cannot be guaranteed in every seedling.

Germination advice: These instructions are a recommended guide. Germination results and timing may vary depending on seed freshness, storage, temperature and growing conditions. Alternative propagation methods may also be successful.