Actinotus helianthi

Flannel Flowers

Actinotus helianthi, with its soft wooly foliage are commonly known as Flannel Flowers. It is a native the east coast of Australia, found growing naturally along the coast of N.S.W, QLD and into Victoria.

White flowers are a main feature and although the main flowering time is in spring to early summer it will spot flower through the year.

Description

Flannel Flowers are a spring to summer flowering plant growing to about 40 – 80cm depending on conditions.

The soft white hairs that cover the foliage gives the plant a soft ‘woolly’ feel, hence the name, but the hairs are in fact a way of keeping the plant cool and retaining moisture.

Flannel flowers are a native plant with the species require excellent drainage and prefer a position protected from strong winds as they tend to be a little brittle

Cultivars include ‘Starbright’, ‘Parkes Star’ and the long stemmed ‘Luck Star’.

How to Grow Actinotus helianthi or Flannel Flowers.

Choose a position in full sun and a well drained soil. Don’t try to transplant once established.

These are a shallow rooted plant and do not lie root copetition.

Growing conditions and Care

• Sun/lLight:
  Actinotus helianthi is best grown in full sun to a little shade. It flowers best in a bright, sunny position.
  
• Soil:
  A free-draining soil is essential. Any sandy or loamy soil with good drainage should be ideal. In heavy soils add extra drainage material or build up the garden bed to improve drainage.
  
• Watering:
  Flannel Flowers require regular watering, especially during long dry periods. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Ensure that the soil surface dries out between waterings.
  
• Fertilizer:
  A slow-release fertilizer suited to native plants applied in spring to early summer will help with better growth and flowering.
  
• Pruning
  Pruning is generally not generally required. You can deadhead spent flowers to improve appearance and promote more continuous blooming.
  
• Temperature:
  Flannel Flowers thrive in a a Mediterranean climate. Tolerate a range of temperatures best in mild to warm conditions. Protection from frosts is required, especially heavy frosts.
  
• Climate:
  Actinotus helianthi grows in coastal and sub-coastal regions of eastern Australia. So a temperate climate zone. Protection from strong winds for best growth and flowering.
  
• Pots:
  If growing in pots, use a free-draining Australian native plant potting mix. Ensure the container has adequate drainage holes. Container iron plants will require more watering, however a wet/dry watering cycle is best.
  
• Propagation
  Easiest from from fresh seed, also possible from cuttings
  Flannel flowers will self seed if flowers are left, they are pollinated by native wasps, good air circulation will help prevent disease.

Top Tips for Growing Flannel Flowers

• Plant your Flannel Flowers in their permanent position, they resent being transplanted. Try not to disturb the root system while transplanting young seedlings.
• Avoid wet soil.
• A layer of mulch will help protect the root system which is rather shallow.
• These perennials are well suited to grow in an Australian themed ‘rock garden’.

Flannel Flower Varieties

A new dwarf variety that will reach around 15cm in height is available from selected nurseries. A more compact habit and excellent for containers.

Two named cultivars are:

• Actinotus helianthi ‘Starbright’
• Actinotus helianthi ‘Parkes Star’

Landscaping Uses

Excellent potted plants, they also grow well in the garden border in good conditions.

What’s in A Name

• Actinotus is from the Greek meaning spokes of a wheel
• The ‘Flannel Flower’ is found widely around Sydney and is in fact the centenary flower of NSW also know as the ‘Federation Star’.

You may also be interested in

• Waratah
• Banksia
• Callistemon
• Alyogyne Huegelii (Native Hibiscus)
• Diplolaena grandiflora
• Veronica perfoliata (Diggers speedwell)

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