Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
Soil temperature is one of the most important factors in seed germination. Too cold or too hot and the seeds may not germinate. Seeds are dormant, and germination occurs when outside factors are optimal for the plant’s survival. When the time is right, the seed germinates. Knowing the preferred soil temperature for common vegetables and herbs will increase the germination rate.
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
Cold stratification is a pre-treatment process applied to seeds before they are sown, either in the ground or in pots. This process is essential for certain plant species native to cold regions, as it helps break seed dormancy. By simulating the cold, damp conditions of winter, stratification signals the seeds to germinate once the soil warms up in the spring.
The name “stratification” was used because seeds used to be layered (stratified) between two layers of moist soil and then exposed to cold. Some gardeners refer to stratification as cold treatment.
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
English and Spanish bluebells are two species of spring flowering bulbs belonging to the Hyacinthoides genus.
Although both species share similarities, there are several differences between them. We take a look at the difference between English and Spanish bluebells.
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
Castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) is toxic to dogs, the toxic principle is a glycoprotein known as ricin, which inhibits ribosomal protein synthesis, leading to cellular death as well as acute liver and kidney failure.
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
Common names: Spoon-leaf sundew, sundew, rosy sundew, common sundew
Plant type: Rhizomatous herb
Flower colour: White, pale pink
Bloom time: Late winter, early spring
Sun exposure: Bright, indirect light to part shade
Humidity: 50-75%
Soil pH: Moderately acidic 5.5 to 6.5
Mature height: 2 cm
Flower size: 2.5 cm
Soil type: Sandy, boggy heath
Habitat: Bushland, sandstone heathland
Difficulty level: Easy
Botanical name meaning
Jacques-Julien Labillardière gave the spoon-leaf sundew its botanical name in 1804 from a plant collected in Tasmania.
Drosera – From the Greek word droseros which means dewy, referring to the glandular droplets on the leaf
spatulata – From the Latin word spatulate, which means shaped like a spatula, referring to the spoon-shaped leaves
What is a spoon-leaf sundew?
Also known as rosy sundew, spoon-leaf sundew (Drosera spatulata) is an insectivorous species of plant belonging to the family Droseraceae, one of the largest genera of carnivorous plants containing over 90 species. Its distribution ranges from Southeast Asia, southern China, Japan, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, eastern Australia, and New Zealand.
The spatula-shaped leaves of spoon-leaf sundew grow in a characteristic low-growing rosette formation, hence the term rosetted sundew. Glandular trichomes are present on the upper surface of the leaf and produce a mucopolysaccharide droplet to attract and trap insects and sessile glands that secrete enzymes to break down and digest their prey. When the insect lands on a leaf, the tentacles respond to the touch by bending inwards trapping the prey, in a process known as thigmonasty. Insects serve as a secondary food source to the nutrient-poor soil the spoon-leaf sundew grows.
Leaf colour can range from green to red depending on the amount of sunlight the plants get. White or pale pink self-pollinating flowers up to 6 mm across develop on a long spike from spring to winter, followed by small, black fruit that contains seeds.
Sundew flower stalk
Habitat
Spoon-leaf sundew is commonly found growing in bright, indirect light to part shade in open boggy heath, with acidic, sandy soi
Plants will lose their leaves during dry or overly cold periods. I have witnessed large numbers of spoon-leaf sundews locally that completely vanish during the warmer months. The rhizome remains underground in a dormant state until favourable conditions return.
Care
As long as the plant’s basic needs are met, spoon-leaf sundew is an easy and interesting plant for the green thumb. Spoon-leaf sundews grow naturally in nutrient-poor soil. A succulent mix or sphagnum moss is the preferred growing medium.
Spoon-leaf sundews grow in full sun to part shade and require frequent watering to keep the soil moist at all times. It can help to sit the pot in a saucer with water to keep moisture levels and humidity up. Only use distilled water or rainwater that is low in salts and minerals.
Can be grown outside year-round in tropical climates, but should be brought indoors in areas prone to frost.
Propagation
Spoon-leaf sundew is readily propagated from seed which should be sown in early to mid-spring as the days become longer and temperatures warm.
Frequently asked questions
How big do spoon-leaf sundews get?
Spoon-leaf sundew grows to a width of 2.5 – 5 cm
Are sundews toxic to humans and pets?
Sundews are non-toxic to humans and pets.
Where can I buy a spoon-leaf sundew?
Specialist nurseries often sell sundews, especially during the winter months. Native plants are protected, and should not be removed from the wild.
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
Floriography is the language of flowers, which has been practised in traditional cultures throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa. Interest soared in Victorian England when Lady Mary Wortley, an English poet and aristocrat wrote a letter expounding on the “Secret Language of Flowers” that she had discovered in Turkey. In a letter to a friend, Lady Wortley writes;
“There is no colour, no flower, no weed, no fruit, herb, pebble, or feather that has not a verse belonging to it: and you may quarrel, reproach, or send letters of passion, friendship, or civility, or even of news, without ever inking your fingers”. Over the course of the century, the rumors became interest, and then practice. Until, by the early 19th century, the development of a formalized Language of Flowers had occurred. This took the form of a dictionary of symbolic meanings assigned to individual flowers, which thus became generally known to society as a method of silent communication.“
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
Pothos is toxic to dogs, the toxic principle is insoluble calcium oxalate crystals known as raphides that penetrate the oral mucosa causing acute pain and burning. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals are created by crystal idioblasts and are commonly arranged in bundles known as raphides. The function of insoluble calcium oxalate crystals is to protect the plants from herbivory as well as calcium regulation.
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
Actinotus – From the Greek word aktína which means ray, referring to the shape of the bracts around the flowers
helianthi – From the sunflower genus Helianthus
What is flannel flower?
Flannel flower (Actinotus helianthi) is a small shrub endemic to the bushland of central and south-eastern Queensland down to the south coast and western slopes of New South Wales. Actinotus spp., contains 20 species, 19 are endemic to Australia, and one to New Zealand, the focus of this article is on Actinotus helianthi, commonly known as flannel flower or Sydney flannel flower.
Silver-grey foliage of the flannel flower
Despite the daisy-like appearance, flannel flowers are members of the Apiaceae family, including carrots, celery, and parsley. Flannel flowers have become a staple in native gardens and are grown commercially for the cut flower market. They grow to a height of 30 – 50 cm, with silver-grey biternately divided leaves.
Appearance
Flowers: The flowers are actinomorphic, which is a type of flower that has radial symmetry. Flannel flowers can flower throughout the year, but the peak flowering season occurs between September and November. As we head into winter, our local flannel flowers are still producing flowers, but we are not seeing the mass display of flowers during that occur during peak season. The flowers grow in a densely packed cluster 1 – 1.5 cm wide and are surrounded by petal-like bracts, which are modified leaves.
The cluster of tiny flowers are surrounded by 8 – 12 bracts
Leaves: Flannel flower leaves are lanceolate (lance-shaped) to ovate (egg-shaped) and are covered in a dense layer of soft grey hairs (hence the name). The hairs help the plant withstand the harsh Australian sunlight and conserve moisture.
How to grow flannel flowers
Flannel flower plugs:
Flannel flowers are pollinated by insects such as bees and flies.
Plant mid-spring to early summer in full sun to part shade, with protection from strong winds that can damage their woody stems. The preferred habitat of the flannel flower is poor, sandy soil with sandstone chunks to protect the shallow roots from desiccation. However, flannel flower can grow in a wide range of soils as long as they are well-draining to avoid prolonged wet roots that are prone to rot.
Note the poor soil quality these flannel flowers are growing in
Flannel flowers are ideal for container gardening or can be planted in garden beds and rockeries. For best results, plant flannel flowers in groups. The roots are extremely sensitive to disturbance and do not transplant well. Gardeners must take care to avoid moving or digging around the root system. A good quality mulch at a depth of 100 mm, avoid contact with the woody stem.
Flannel flowers are heavy feeders and have high nutrient requirements. Feed a good quality low phosphorous controlled-release fertiliser during planting and supplement with a complete liquid fertiliser once a month during the active blooming period.
A light pruning after flowering will promote bushiness and increase flower yield the following season.
Flannel flowers are susceptible to Botrytis during extended wet weather. Monitor for signs of infection and treat with an appropriate fungicide if necessary. Avoid overwatering and wetting the foliage and plant 50 cm apart to allow good airflow between plants.
Growing flannel flower from seeds
Most flannel flowers are grown from seed or tip cutting. The best time to germinate seeds is spring or autumn when temperatures sit around 20° C. Flannel flowers will not germinate in temperatures above 30° C. Germination can take as little as 30 days or as long as 12 months.
Make a seed-raising mixture of equal parts perlite, peat and vermiculite. Add the seeds to the mix, cover with 5 mm of seed-raising mix and water well.
Take great care when planting seedlings to avoid disturbing the roots. If planting in pots, mix 1 part coarse sand to 5 parts premium potting mix.
Where can I buy flannel flowers?
Please do not dig up flannel flowers in the wild, as removing flora from the wild is illegal and they do not transplant well. Most native plant nurseries sell flannel flower plugs at a low price or seeds can be purchased online.
Health benefits
Flannel flowers contain various chemical compounds including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which have been studied for their potential health benefits.
In traditional medicine, flannel flowers have been used for centuries by Indigenous Australians for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Frequently asked questions
Is it illegal to pick flannel flowers?
In most regions, picking native flora including flannel flowers is illegal as it depletes seed reserves and any disturbance of the delicate root system can kill the plant. Our continued encroachment into native habitats has resulted in smaller and smaller pockets of bushland for our flora and fauna to survive. Most native plant nurseries sell flannel flowers year-round.
Are flannel flowers toxic?
Flannel flowers are not toxic to people or pets, however, prolonged exposure to the fine hairs can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Always handle with gardening gloves to avoid exposure.
Drying flannel flowers
Hang upside down in a well-ventilated room for 5 – 6 weeks.
Do flannel flowers have a scent?
Flannel flowers do not have a scent. One of the most beautifully scented flowers endemic to NSW is the kunzea, which produces a mass of white or pink honey-scented flowers in mid-spring.
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
This easy-to-follow recipe has a beautiful, subtle lavender taste. The amount of lavender can be tailored to suit preference. I found one tablespoon of culinary lavender was plenty.
Add lavender to milk and bring to a boil, strain into a jug and allow to cool
While the lavender milk cools, beat the butter in an electric mixer until it turns pale
Gradually add the icing sugar and lavender milk until combined, it should form a soft peak with a curl on the end, add more milk or icing until you reach the desired consistency
Add purple food dye (optional) until you have the desired colour (note: if you don't have purple food dye, combine red and blue food dye, a typical ratio is 3-4 parts red to 1 part blue)
Notes
Uses:Lavender buttercream can be used to decorate cakes, Swiss rolls, brownies and cupcakes, sandwiched between biscuits (cookies).Alternate flavours:Rose and violet are also suitable for buttercream frosting. Culinary rose is readily available, but violet is more difficult to source. If unavailable, flavoured syrups can also be used.Nutrition:
Julia is a writer and landscape consultant from Wollongong with a love of horticulture. She had been an avid gardener for over 30 years, collects rare variegated plants and is a home orchardist. Julia is passionate about learning and sharing her knowledge of plant propagation and plant toxicology. Whether it’s giving advice on landscape projects or sharing tips on growing, Julia enjoys helping people make their gardens flourish.
