Commonly called Bridal Wreath, and sometimes Wedding Flower, Francoa plants are characterised by tall flower spikes above low growing foliage.
These are a clump forming to spreading perennial, easy care in the garden. They are sometimes also called Maidens Wreath, so not a plant that lacks a few names.
Flowering from summer through to autumn, they put on a good display of flowers for many months. This is a plant that readily self seeds. However if you are prepared to deadhead after flowering, and perhaps pull up stray plants as they appear it is not difficult to control.
Francoa Growing Conditions
The great joy of Francoa species is that they thrive in poor soil and even fairly dry shade.
Try planting beneath deciduous or evergreen trees where not much else will grow. Use it as a ground cover plant in these situations.
As a shade loving plant they suited to dry woodland planting. The attractive evergreen foliage, and long stemmed flowers make these a graceful plant.
Francoa Sonchifolia has pink star like flowers on upright stems, bright green deeply lobed leaves below as a clump.
Francoa Varieties
Francoa species, such as Francoa ramosa, sonchifolia and appendiculata are all popular and cultivars such as ‘Giant Pink’ and ‘Rogersons form’ with its pink to mauve flowers are well worth looking for.
We provide photographs growth and cultivation notes on Maiden’s Wreath or Wedding Flower (Francoa sonchifolia alba)
Care
Try a shaded position and wait for the flowers in Summer through to Autumn.
- Shade to part shade, well drained soil.
- Dig in lots of compost to provide a humus rich environment.
- Height 80cm Spreads 30cm.
Available for sale from the following nurseries
Large range of Rare, Unusual and Old Fashioned Perennials. Includes Artemisias, Achilleas, Geraniums, Geums, Salvias, Penstemon and Francoa.
www.yellowhouseheritageperennials.com.au
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au