Flannel flowers (Actinotus helianthi) are tough, hardy plants that embody the spirit of our sandstone county. And just like the Peninsula community…they’re pretty good looking too.
The name “flannel” flower is derived from the soft, velvety texture of the plant – which resembles the tactile feel of flannel fabric. Although the creamy, grey flowers make it look like a daisy, it’s actually related to the carrot family!
They grow in coastal heathland and flower gradually throughout the year – peaking in Springtime. There’s even a cute miniature version called the lesser flannel flower (Actinotus minor).
Research carried out by the University of NSW identified that the smoke derived chemical, karrikinolide, mixed with water, helps trigger flannel flower germination from seed. Because flannel flowers can survive wildfire and thrive under challenging circumstances, they’ve become the chosen symbol of mental health awareness in Australia.
In 1909, Warringah Council adopted a simplified flannel flower as its logo. It was updated in 1994 with a beautiful colourful stylised version created by graphic designer Bev Biram. This was then replaced in 2013 with an uninspiring “W”.
With later Council amalgamations and corporate branding, the flannel flower now seems permanently lost as our local government symbol. But a remote stretch of sand at West Head carries forward the name “Flannel Flower” beach in perpetuity.
You can see flannel flowers growing in many of our bushland reserves, but they probably should be much more widespread than they are. During the 1880’s and 1890s a “Manly Wildflower Show” was held at Ivanhoe Park, which lead to the local bushland being systematically stripped of plants such as waratahs, Christmas bells, orchids, flannel flowers and others, to create displays. This would have permanently diminished the prevalence of many species. Suffice to say picking native plants from the bush is now strictly illegal.
The good news is that you can purchase flannel flowers from local nurseries or grow them yourself from seed. They thrive in full sun or part shade but require well drained soil. You can also grow them in pots which makes them well suited for balconies and courtyards (and they’ll last up to three years if cared for). Once established, they are drought tolerant but need periodic deep watering during dry periods. Prune lightly after flowering then apply a native fertiliser.
Flannel flowers are now commercially grown and have become popular as a floral arrangement feature at weddings because of their elegant beauty. A flannel flower “Bush Essence” is also available which advertises its properties as being able to enhance “gentleness” and “expression of feelings”.
Flannel flowers hold cultural significance for Indigenous Australians, who have traditionally used them for medicinal and ceremonial uses.
The moral of the story? Why grow boring stuff with overseas origins when you can plant our spectacular local natives instead?
Enjoy that?
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