BURSARIA spinosa

Bursaria spinosa is an erect shrub about 3-4 metres tall. The leaves are an elongated oval shape 20-45 mm long and up to 12 mm wide, green above and hairy beneath.

The flowers are creamy-white, sweetly scented about 7-10 mm in diameter, and borne in dense terminal panicles. Flowers are usually seen in mid-summer around Christmas time, which gives rise to the common name of 'Christmas Bush' in Tasmania and South Australia.

Occurs in all states and territories except Western Australia and the Northern Territory

Hardy species that is adaptable to most soils but prefers 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, avoiding the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 12-18°C for this species.

Cold stratification of 28 days is recommended. Cold treatment is not critical for germination to occur but should give increased germination rates.

1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed raising mix and cover to a depth of 1-2mm
2. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
3. Ensure the mix is moist but not waterlogged.
4. Place the container in a plastic bag.
5. Place the bagged container in the refrigerator for 28 days.
6. Germination generally occurs in 21-42 days when moved to warmer temperatures after the period of cold treatment.

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.