Sturt's Desert Rose

Gossypium sturtianum

Native to:
Australia

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Malvaceae
Genus:
Gossypium
Species:
Gossypium sturtianum
USDA Symbol:
GOST3

Growth Characteristics

Height:
200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jul,aug,sep,oct,nov
Bloom Colors:
pink, purple, mauve
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, birds
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from the base after fire damage; adapted to arid Australian environments with periodic fire.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to arid regions, drought-tolerant

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Scarification:
Seed coat scarification required before sowing
Germination Time:
7–21 days
Notes:
Scarification of the hard seed coat improves germination. Warm temperatures (25-30°C) are optimal.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI