About Actinotus helianthi Labill.
Actinotus helianthi, commonly known as the flannel flower, is generally a herbaceous shrub that grows up to 50 cm (18 in) high, though rare specimens can reach 1.5 m (5 feet) in height. Its stem, branches, and leaves are pale grey and covered in downy hair, giving a texture similar to flannel. Its attractively lobed leaves grow up to 10 cm (4 in) long and 7 cm (3 in) wide. It produces daisy-shaped flowerheads that are typically around 5 cm in diameter, and occasionally reach 8 cm (2–3 in) across. Its bracts range in color from cream to white. This species flowers in spring, and flowering can be very abundant after bushfires. Flannel flowers grow naturally in sandstone heathland in coastal New South Wales and Queensland, Australia, and they are commonly seen around the Sydney basin during spring. For cultivation, flannel flowers can be propagated by seed or cutting. They grow best in a well-drained, sunny location, and are well-suited for planting in rockeries or cottage gardens. The Mount Annan Botanic Garden has worked to select and breed cultivars suited for home gardens and the cut flower industry. One developed cultivar is named Actinotus 'Federation Star', which was selected as the New South Wales floral emblem for the Centenary of Federation (1901–2001).
