Grey cottonheads
Conostylis candicans is an evergreen clumping perennial that will reach around .3m with a slightly larger spread. Attractive blue grey foliage with yellow flowers appearing in spring this a drought tolerant plant that is useful for roadside plantings, or as a border plant. Sometimes referred to as the grey cotton head.
Widely available for sale from mail order and retail nurseries, Conostylis candicans are closely related to Kangaroo Paws.
They are a strap leafed plant that prefer a sunny position and a well drained soil.
C. candicans or Grey cottonheads are one of the more popular species. Conostylis candicans silver sunrise flower (picture right) is one of a number of named cultivars.
Care
Not that fussy about soil except for good drainage, Conostylis candicans grows well in full sun and works well in the rock garden. Humidity can cause fungal diseases.
Best in a sandy type soil. or try hilling up the soil to improve drainage and plant on the raised area.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Conostylis candicans
- Common Names – Grey Cottonheads, Cottonheads
- Position – Full Sun
- Soil – Very well drained.
- Flowers – Yellow balls on tall stems.
- Flowering time – Winter to spring.
- Foliage – Mid green, tufted in habit.
- Frost tolerant – Mild frosts.
- Drought tolerant – Medium, but may not flower in extremely dry conditions.
Other Conostylis species include:
- C. aculeta – Also known as ‘Prickly Cottonhead’
- C. setigera – Also known as ‘Bristly Cottonhead’ or ‘Lemon Lights’
- C. bealiana – Yellow trumpet like flowers
- C. juncea – Dwarf Cotton heads
- C. argentea – Silver Conostylis with creamy white flowers.
- C. vaginata – Sheath Conostylis
- C. seorsiflora subsp. seorsiflora, a low growing mat forming species.