Big Blue Lechenaultia

Big Blue Lechenaultia (Lechenaultia biloba 'Big Blue') is a compact Western Australian wildflower with some of the truest blue flowers in the garden. It forms a low mound about 30cm tall and 50cm wide or more, covered from winter into spring in deep to mid blue blooms. It is a specialist: spectacular in the right spot, and short-lived in the wrong one.

Why you'll love it

• A truly blue flower. Few plants flower in such a clean, vivid blue, and each bloom has two petals above and three below.
• Compact and deeper in colour. Big Blue is neater than the variable species form, and a deeper blue.
• Colour in winter and spring. Flowers appear from winter through spring, when many natives are quiet.
• Waterwise. Once established it needs very little water, which suits dry gardens and gravel plantings.
• Made for pots. It is a good container plant where garden soil is heavy and does not drain freely.

Where it works best

Rockeries and raised beds. Plant 50cm apart in full sun on a mound or between rocks. That spacing lets air move around each plant, which matters more than filling the gap quickly.

Containers. Use a pot of very free-draining potting mix with extra sand or grit. A pot is the safest option where the climate is humid or the soil is clay.

Waterwise gardens. Pair it with native grasses and silver-leaved plants in gravel for a sparse, sunny look.

Growing Big Blue Lechenaultia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun in an airy spot. It comes from Western Australia and is happiest in Mediterranean and semi-arid climates, with dry summers and low humidity. It tolerates light frost once established. Humid coastal gardens in the east are hard going, so grow it in a pot there.

Soil. Excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Sandy or gravelly soil is ideal, and clay needs a raised mound or a container.

Water and feed. Water very sparingly, especially in humid climates. A native slow release fertiliser in spring keeps the plant healthy.

Pruning. Little is needed. Trim the tips lightly after flowering to keep the mound tidy, and avoid cutting into bare old wood.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Big Blue Lechenaultia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plant it into its final spot or pot soon after it arrives. Even in perfect conditions individual plants can be short-lived, so many gardeners plant a few and replace as needed. Our tube stock comes from our grower, who does not always have plants ready. When there are none, the tube shows as sold out on this page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Australian native plants
• Rockery plants for sunny, well-drained beds
• Plants that thrive in pots
• Guide to creating a waterwise garden

Common questions

Why do lechenaultia plants sometimes die suddenly?

Humidity, wet soil and overwatering are the usual causes. Even in good conditions individual plants can be short-lived, so plant a few and keep the drainage sharp.

Can I grow it on the humid east coast?

It is a challenge. Grow it in a pot of very free-draining mix, give it plenty of air around it, and keep the water light.

How big does it get?

About 30cm tall and 50cm wide, sometimes wider as it spreads. It stays low, so plant it at the front of a bed where it can be seen.