Family: Brunoniaceae

Native to inland Australia, this single-species genus has tufted rosettes of foliage and blue cushion-like flowers. The leaves are covered in long, silky hairs. The plant is unlikely to be available outside its native Australia.

Species

B. australis, blue pincushion, is a very pretty perennial, with tall stems, to 40 cm (16 in), bright cornflower blue flower heads, up to 4 cm (1½ in) across, with yellow stamens slightly longer than the flowers. From late spring to autumn, these plants make a very striking display, either in the garden, as pot plants, or as groundcover in rockeries.

Cultivation

Propagate from seed contained in the small, nut-like fruit which falls from the plant when ripe. The seed will germinate easily in moist, well-drained sand if placed in a sunny, warm position or in seedboxes. Plant out in early spring.

Climate

Suitable for zone 9.