The Essential Guide To The Flannel Flower
Botanical Name: Actinotus helianthi
Common Name: Flannel Flower
General Knowledge: The Flannel Flower, known scientifically as Actinotus helianthi, is native to the bushland and coastal regions of New South Wales, Australia, thriving in sandy or rocky soil. This unique flower is commonly utilised in floral arrangements, bouquets, and various floral designs due to its delicate appearance and the soft, fuzzy texture of its petals, which add a tactile element to arrangements. A fun fact about the Flannel Flower is that it has become a symbol of mental health awareness in Australia, chosen for its resilience to thrive in challenging environments and its stunning, yet delicate appearance, symbolising the resilience and beauty that can be found in us all during difficult times.
Colour Range: Creamy white with grey-green tips on the petals
Australian Seasonal Availability: Late winter to early summer, peaking in spring. However, new selections and greenhouse production have expanded availability almost year-round.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Popular in spring and early summer events, fitting well with the country's native flower trend for weddings and other celebrations.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, flannel flowers are commercially grown in Australia.
Imported into Australia: Flannel flowers are native to Australia and are not commonly imported from other countries.
Buying Tips: Choose stems with at least one flower partially to fully opened. Avoid overly tight buds, as they may not open properly. The flower’s centre should be light green, while light brown centres indicate over-maturity.
Design Tips and Advice: Flannel flowers are versatile, fitting well into soft, romantic, modern, or vintage-style arrangements. They make beautiful additions to wildflower bouquets and can be grouped in vases or posies. For wedding floristry, they can be fine wired into bouquets, boutonnières, and corsages.
Flower Maturity: Choose stems with at least one partially to fully opened flower for optimal vase life.
Expected Vase Life: 14–21 days.
Typical Stem Length: 30–70 cm
Typical Bunch Size: Variable, typically 5–15 stems per bunch
Protections for Australian Native Species: Flannel flowers are a protected species. It is illegal to pick them from the bush.
Care and Handling: Recut stems and place in fresh, clean water with a registered biocide. Handle carefully to prevent damage.
Floral Preservatives: Not required.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Low
Temperature Requirements: Cool storage at 2–4 °C is ideal.
How to Avoid Potential Problems: Ensure proper hydration and avoid exposing the flowers and leaves to prolonged periods, as they can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals due to the fine hairs.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Maintain a cool storage temperature of 2–4 °C.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Use fresh, clean water with a registered biocide. Recut stems before placing in water.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: Although flannel flowers have low sensitivity to ethylene, it’s still important to keep them away from sources of the gas and ensure all dying plant material is promptly removed.