Fresh Sapindaceae Dodonaea viscosa Seeds Pure Hop bush Seeds for Growing,China price supplier

Dodonaea viscosa flowers are inconspicuous, with no petals. These flowers occur during spring and summer and are less than a centimetre in size. The plants are dioecious; i.e. the flowers are male or female and usually occur on separate plants.

The pollen is wind dispersed. However, fertilisation does not need to occur for the capsules to develop. Fertilised capsules can take up to 11 months to mature with unfertilised capsules maturing faster. Over this time the capsules will change colour from a green or cream colour through to a brilliant red. These winged capsules are only produced on female or bisexual flowers and are approximately 2 cm 2 in size.

Dodonaea viscosa can be easily propagated from both cuttings and seeds. Cuttings are often preferred to guarantee a female plant with the colourful capsules. The optimum cutting material is young growth that has just firmed. It is best to then use a rooting hormone. Straight perlite may be used as the medium or as a mixture with peat or coconut fibre. If seeds are used for propagation a treatment of soaking in very hot water prior to sowing will assist germination.

This species prefers well-drained soils and requires a well-lit area. It can tolerate part shade but the capsules will not be as spectacular in colour if shaded. This species can tolerate dry conditions and can also handle some frosts. Little maintenance is necessary. However, regular tip pruning will promote growth and branching. Scale may be an issue due to the viscous leaves. If this is the case, an application of white oil is an effective remedy.