Flannel Flower

~ Actinotus helianthi ~

APIACEAE

One of our most iconic darlings, the Flannel Flower loves destruction. Any type of fire or soil disturbance, this flower will show up to the party. This extends to its seeds as well, which generally need smoke for germination success. Flannel Flowers attract a range of floral visitors, the most common being native bees, hoverflies and flower beetles. Even though they look like daisies, they are more closely related to carrots and celery as part of the worldwide family Apiaceae. Flannel Flowers have a long life as a cut flower, lasting around 14 to 21 days, during which they can be hung upside down and dried.

WHERE TO LOOK

Generally found in small communities in the bushlands and the sandstone and coastal heaths surrounding Sydney, Flannel Flowers can even be seen on the occasional sand dune. The plants can also venture further north, as far as outback Queensland around Carnarvon Gorge – a hotspot for native wildlife.

Locations → Queensland: Carnarvon National Park and Isla Gorge National Park; NSW: Wyrrabalong National Park, Newnes State Forest, Crowdy Bay National Park, Blue Mountains National Park, Woy Woy Bay, Ku-ring-gai Wildflower Garden in St Ives, Georges River National Park and Sydney Harbour National Park.

FEATURES

Interestingly, the white petals of the Flannel Flower aren’t actually petals at all; they’re called bracts and are considered a kind of shake-up between a leaf and a petal. Ten to 18 of these bracts surround the yellow flower centre, which is a number of densely packed florets with the occasional greenish haze. The Flannel Flower gets its common name from its all-over soft, felt-like texture. Its silvery-grey-green foliage stands 10cm long and alternates between lobed and whole leaves. Its fruit is an oval-shaped hairy capsule that contains a single seed, which enjoys a bit of smoke to get going.

FLOWERING SEASON

Year round → The Flannel Flower is a short-lived perennial. Some populations flower at all times of year but you’ll see the most flowers through September to December.

PLANTING

The Flannel Flower loves its temperate climates and sandy, well-drained soils. It’s super prone to root rot, so well-drained soils are a must. Smoke water increases germination response and a natural seaweed fertiliser will bring out more flowers. Allow it to self-seed and then prune after flowering to increase its bushiness. It enjoys full sun or part shade and can be grown in pots and containers.