Flannel flower Actinotus helianthi
Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Apiaceae family, native to Sandstone heaths of eastern New South Wales and Queensland. It grows 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 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.
Plan Flannel flower in your garden →
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Flannel flower at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 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 | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about September for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Sandstone heaths of eastern New South Wales and Queensland |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Flannel flower toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Felted leaves can irritate skin and eyes.
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 Flannel flower
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Flannel flower
- How far apart should I plant Flannel flower?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Flannel flower need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Flannel flower need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Flannel flower?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Flannel flower flower?
- From about September for 9–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Flannel flower 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. Felted leaves can irritate skin and eyes.
- What grows well with Flannel flower?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Flannel flower. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Velvety cream “petals” (bracts) tipped green around a woolly centre; flowers prolifically after bushfire. Needs very free drainage; short-lived.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Carrot Daucus carota subsp. sativus
- Parsley Petroselinum crispum
- Celery Apium graveolens
- Coriander (cilantro) Coriandrum sativum
- Dill Anethum graveolens
- Parsnip Pastinaca sativa
- Celeriac Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
- Florence fennel Foeniculum vulgare var. azoricum