BRUNONIA australis

Brunonia australis is a very ornamental species 30 cm high silky hairy herb, commonly known as Blue Pincushion. Many crowded flowers give the pincushion effect.
Mid to deep blue flowers are usually seen in spring but may also occur sporadically, extending through to autumn.

Native to all states and Territories.

Prefers light to medium well-drained soil in an open sunny or part shade position, drought and frost resistant.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C

1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed-raising mix. The seed will lodge in the pores of the mix once watered.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed-raising mix over the seed if required to hold the seed in place. Do not bury the seed deeply.
3. Water with a fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, and avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 21-42 days in the right conditions.

Pre-treatment of smoke is not considered critical for this species but some research has shown it may be beneficial.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.