Blue leschenaultia Lechenaultia biloba
Blue leschenaultia (Lechenaultia biloba) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Goodeniaceae family, native to South-west Western Australia. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 40–80 cm (16–31 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Blue leschenaultia at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Goodeniaceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–80 cm (16–31 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 52–104 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | South-west Western Australia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Blue leschenaultia toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not known to be poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Blue leschenaultia
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Blue leschenaultia
- How far apart should I plant Blue leschenaultia?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–80 cm (16–31 in).
- Does Blue leschenaultia need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Blue leschenaultia need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Blue leschenaultia?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Blue leschenaultia flower?
- About 52–104 weeks after planting, for 6–10 weeks.
- Is Blue leschenaultia poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not known to be poisonous.
- What grows well with Blue leschenaultia?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Blue leschenaultia. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- FloraBase: the Western Australian Flora, Western Australian Herbarium, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- An Australian native of poor, sandy soils: it wants sharp drainage and sun, and rots in heavy, wet ground or humid summers.
- A low, wiry shrublet that covers itself in spring with flowers of an intense, electric blue, one of the bluest of all flowers. Notoriously fussy: it needs sand or gravel, no fertiliser and no summer water, and is often grown in pots.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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