Description: Flannel flowers (Actinotis helianthii) are native to the sandstone geology of Sydney and love clinging onto the sandstone cliffs of the Hawkesbury and Pittwater areas. The flowers have a soft velvet - flannel texture and are creamy-white colour with pale green speckles. Leaves are pale green and deeply divided, Blooms between October-December. They do best in sandy soil with excellent drainage. Place a few pieces of sandstone around the soil to stop the roots from drying out in the summer months.
Improved cultivars:
The Australian Botanic Garden, Mount Annan, has improved the flannel flower greatly, 'Federation Stars' has more flowers and was promoted along with the NSW Centenary of Federation Committee. 'Starbright' is an upright, vase-shaped plant, with soft grey foliage.
Size: 70 x 60 cm Soil: Free draining, moderately fertile, low pH.
Another species of the Flannel Flower is Actinotus minor which grows in the Blue Mountains and in Lane Cove River National Park in Sydney. This is a small growing plant 20cm high producing the most fairy-like flowers less than 1cm across. Western Australia also has two species A. leucocephalus and A. superbus both with hairy bracts, you may be able to find these at specialist native plant nurseries.
Position: Full sun to part shade. Tolerant of light frost once established. Protect from strong winds.
Care: Do not over-water. Feed with low phosphorus controlled release fertiliser for Australian plants. Prune after flowering, but not into old wood, to encourage a second flush.
Uses: Flannel flowers attract grass parrots. Good in pots.
Powered By WEBHEAD