Flannel Flower | Actinotus helianthi

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The Flannel Flower is native to the bushland surrounding Sydney, Australia. Gardeners are surprised to learn that it is not a part of the daisy family but a species of the Apiaceae family, the same as the carrot. It is an herbaceous shrub covered in fine, downy hair that is flannel-like in texture (except for the petals). The petals are white and thin and flower in spring.

Etymology

The scientific name of the Flannel Flower, Actinotus helianthi, is derived from the Greek adjective ‘actinos’, meaning ‘rayed’ or ‘having radiating lines’, referring to the star-like shape of agronomical features on this flower. Origin of the species name ‘helianthi’ is based on the Greek word helios which means “sun”, alluding to the resemblance of its petals to rays of sunlight.

How to Plant

Flannel Flowers prefer well-drained soils that are slightly sandy. To ensure that your soil has the right texture and adequate drainage, work in some organic matter and a handful of coarse sand. Fertilize your soil before planting as Flannel Flowers do not need an excessive amount of fertilizer.

After planting, it’s important to give your cuttings plenty of water. Aim for about an inch a week, with deep soaks during each water-cycle. Flannel Flowers thrive in full sun, as this helps to bring out their best colors. If you choose to place them in part shade, you may find that they don’t produce as many blooms, and that the colors will be paler.

Meaning & Symbolism

The Flannel Flower is the perfect flower for expressing your inner-peace. The velvety soft petals of the Flannel Flower signify comfort and serenity, making this bloom a perfect choice for sending your love or just letting someone know you’re thinking of them.

Flannel Flowers also symbolize delicate beauty, humility, and innocence, making it the perfect pick for expressing your sincerest sentiments.

History, Mythology & Religious Significance

The aboriginal community of Australia has a deep-rooted culture that embraces the significance of the Flannel Flower. They believed that planting Flannel Flowers near their dwellings invited peace and prosperity. Still celebrated to this day, the Aborigines still use the Flannel Flower as a celebration of life and a tribute to the Earth.

Flannel Flowers also have a long-standing association with Christianity, typically being seen as a symbol of purity. In England, the church of St Nicholas, contains a beautiful window featuring Flannel Flowers in its tracery, as a representation of their power of gentleness and humility.

Flower Varieties & Defining Characteristics

There are numerous varieties of Flannel Flower (Actinotus helianthi), all with the distinct star-shaped petals. The most popular varieties of Flannel Flowers include: Dwarf White (Actinotus helianthi ‘Dwarf White’), Pink Diamond (Actinotus helianthi ‘Pink Diamond’), Luna (Actinotus helianthi ‘Luna’) and True Blue (Actinotus helianthi ‘True Blue’).

The Dwarf White variety of Flannel Flower features velvety silver-white petals that are star-shaped. It blooms during late spring and early summer. While this variety is more upright in growth habit, the petals will usually not exceed a width of 6cm.

The Pink Diamond variety of Flannel Flower has soft pink petals and graceful ‘fringey’ foliage. It tends to bloom in mid-summer and can grow up to 6 cm in width. This variety does well in shady parts of the garden and has a delicate, lacey look.

The Luna variety of Flannel Flower produces white petals with centers that are speckled with light-green starbursts, blooming in mid-to-late summer and reaching a width of 6 cm. This variety is unique and very decorative, making it a perfect choice for brightening up a shaded part of the garden.

The True Blue variety of Flannel Flower has velvety blue petals blooming during late summer and early autumn. The petal shape and pleasing ‘fringey’ foliage make this a standout in any garden, with a maximum width of 6 cm.

How to Pot & Repot

When potting Flannel Flowers, it’s important to choose a potting mix with good drainage-mix added. After planting, leave a few inches of space at the top of the pot before lightly tapping it down so that there are no air pockets. Water your Flannel Flowers until the soil is evenly moist, but not drenched.

When repotting, use a pot that’s one or two sizes bigger than the current pot and fill the bottom up with half to two-thirds of well-draining potting mix. Carefully remove the plant from its current pot, without disturbing its roots. Gently shake off any excess soil and place the plant in the new pot, adding more soil as needed.

How to Prune

Pruning a Flannel Flower is fairly straightforward and should be done to maintain the desired height and shape. Start by removing dead and diseased wood, along with any crossing branches or weak stems. Afterward, cut back the old wood with a pair of sharp pruning shears to just above the growth bud.

Make sure to prune only healthy stems in order to promote bushiness. Anytime pruning is needed, it should be done in late winter or early spring, after flowering has finished.

How to Propagate

Propagating Flannel Flowers from seed is one of the easiest methods, as seeds can be sown directly into the soil. To start, fill seed trays with a high quality potting mix and lightly water the soil. Sow the seeds onto the surface of the potting mix and cover them lightly with more soil. Cover the trays with newspaper and place them in an area with indirect sunlight in order to avoid overheating.

Cuttings can also be taken from healthy Flannel Flower plants during the late spring and early summer. Take 45-90cm softwood cuttings (with at least three sets of leaves) and place them in a pot of moist potting mix. Make sure to keep them in a warm, partially shaded environment until the new roots grow.

Common Pests & Diseases

The most common pests are aphids and caterpillars. Aphids can be removed with a small stream of water and caterpillars can be hand-removed from the plant or treated with an organic pesticide. If aphids are left untreated, their presence will yellow the leaves and cause them to drop off.

Grower’s Burden is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Phytophthora Cryptogea that affects Flannel Flowers and other Apiaceae family plants. The disease will show itself as yellow, wilted foliage and brown spots on the leaves. To prevent this disease, ensure that your Flannel Flowers are planted in well-drained soil and do not over-water.

Questions & Answers

Q1. Is it possible to grow Flannel Flowers indoors?

Yes, Flannel Flowers can be grown indoors, as long as the growing area receives plenty of natural light and adequate ventilation. You will also need to protect your Flannel Flowers from pets, as the petals are fragile.

Q2. When is the best time to prune Flannel Flowers?

The best time to prune your Flannel Flowers is in late winter or early spring, after flowering has finished. Pruning needs to be done to maintain the desired height and shape of the plant.

Q3. What type of soil is best for Flannel Flowers?

Flannel Flowers prefer well-drained soils that are slightly sandy. To ensure that your soil has the right texture and adequate drainage, work in some organic matter and a handful of coarse sand.

Fact Sheet

Flannel Flower	Actinotus helianthi
Family	Apiaceae
Plant Type	Perennial
Mature Size	30–50 cm (1–1.5 ft) and spreads to a width of 30–45 cm (1–1.5 ft)
Sun Exposure	Full sun or part shade
Soil Type	Well-drained, slightly sandy soils
Soil pH	Neutral
Bloom Time	Late spring and early summer
Flower Color	White, pink, light-green, and blue
Hardiness Zones	7–11
Native Area	Bushland surrounding Sydney, Australia
Toxicity	Non-toxic