Seed Treatment
Cold Stratification:
- Mix seeds with damp sand, vermiculite, or moist paper towel.
- Place in a sealed bag and refrigerate at 1–4 °C (34–39 °F) for 90 days.
- If seedlings emerge during stratification, plant them immediately into moist soil.
Best Time to Sow
Outdoors: Sow in autumn for natural stratification.
Indoors: Sow in late winter to early spring, after completing cold treatment.
Germination Temperature
Maintain 18–21 °C (65–70 °F) after stratification for best results.
Germination Time: up to 90 days.
How to Sow
- Sow seeds on the surface of moist seed-starting mix.
- Lightly press in; do not cover, as light aids germination.
- Keep soil consistently moist, not waterlogged.
Light Requirements
Full sun to partial shade.
Post-Germination Care
- Transplant when seedlings are large enough to handle.
- Harden off gradually before planting outdoors.
- Space plants 1.5–2 m (5–6.5 ft) apart in well-drained soil.
Growing Tips
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Prune immediately after flowering to maintain shape.
- Attracts pollinators and makes an excellent hedge or specimen shrub.
A rewarding flowering shrub that’s worth the wait!