Flannel Flower
· Southern Stars
Apiaceae ·
Actinotus helianthi
Native to: Queensland, New South Wales
Characteristics
Frost tolerant, Coast tolerant
Perennial
Herbaceous annual or perennial with distinctive velvety flowers and foliage. Southern Stars is a hybrid between Actinotus heianthi Minor and Actinotus helianthi. Flowers, appearing in Spring and Summer, occur in clusters and are surrounded by creamy-white velvety or flannel textured bracts that may be tipped with soft green. Leaves are also velvety and silvery-grey.
Height: 75 cm
Width: 100 cm
Foliage:
Flowers:
The basics
Position: Full sun
Soil: Sandy, loamy, well-drained
Water: Drought tolerant. Don't over water.
Sowing Seeds
Sow in
Spring, Autumn
Technique:
Pre-treatment of smoke is recommended for this species.
1. Soak seed in tepid water overnight.
2. Sow seed on a porous seed raising mix and cover lightly. Do not bury seed deeply.
3. Place in a warm shaded or semi shaded position to avoid dying out.
4. The growing medium should be well draining but should remain damp between watering. Keep moist but not too wet as the seed may rot. Do not let the growing mix completely dry out.
5. Germination should occur in 21-42 days depending on the temperature and conditions.
Pre-treatment of smoke:
Many members of this genus are responsive to pre-treatment of smoke. Although germination may occur without smoke treatment it has proved to be beneficial in reducing the number of days to germination and increasing germination rates in many species.
Smoke treatments are simple and can be undertaken either by soaking the seed overnight or by applying to the surface after sowing, both provide good results. Smoke treatments available by clicking here.
General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.
Germination
21 to 42 days
at 18 to 22°C
Care
Mulch well with wood chips, leaf litter or rockery materials to keep the root zone cool and moist.
Journal
Edit ·
New entry