Blue Rod

Blue Rod (Stemodia florulenta) is a bushy, upright Australian native perennial that grows 40cm to 80cm tall and about 40cm wide. Slender green leaves carry small, deep blue to purple flowers through spring and summer, a colour that is rare in nature and always in demand. It is a tough inland plant that copes with drought, frost and even salty or seasonally flooded soil.

Why you'll love it

• True blue flowers. Deep blue to purple blooms in spring and summer, in a colour few native plants offer.
• Tough inland genes. In the wild it grows across the inland southern states, in dry country and frosty country, so established plants handle both.
• Fine in salty or seasonally wet soil. Few garden perennials accept salty ground and periodic flooding, and this one does.
• Butterfly friendly. Native butterflies visit the flowers, so it earns its place in a wildlife garden.
• Real garden credentials. It is related to veronica and penstemon, with the same garden character but a native pedigree.

Where it works best

Native and cottage gardens. Plant in groups of three or five at the front of a mixed border, where blue flowers lift green and silver foliage.

Drifts and mass planting. Plant 40cm apart for a continuous sweep of upright stems that flowers across the warm months.

Difficult spots. Use it where the soil is salty or floods in the wet season and other perennials have failed.

Growing Blue Rod in Australia

Position and climate. Part sun to shade in good garden soil gives the best result, though it also copes with full sun. It suits warm temperate, cool temperate, Mediterranean and arid or semi-arid gardens, and it is drought and frost tolerant once established.

Soil. Good garden soil suits it best. In the wild it grows in a range of soils, including salty ground and soil that floods seasonally. A layer of mulch holds moisture around the roots.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until the plant is established, around 12 weeks, and keep watering through dry periods for the best flowering. Apply a slow release fertiliser in spring to encourage flowers.

Pruning. Little is needed. A light trim after the main flush of flowers keeps the plant bushy and compact.

What to expect when it arrives

Blue Rod is sold as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tubes arrive upright and ready to plant, and with warm weather and regular water they put on bushy growth within weeks. Expect the first flowers in spring or summer once the plant has settled in.

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

• Browse Australian native plants
• Drought tolerant plants for dry gardens
• Bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Designing a native garden to attract wildlife

Common questions

Is Blue Rod really an Australian native?

Yes. It is native to inland parts of several southern states, where it grows in a range of soils from dry country to frosty districts.

Will it cope with frost and drought?

Yes, once established. It is drought and frost tolerant, though it flowers best if it gets a drink during long dry periods.

Can I plant it in a salty or boggy spot?

It grows in salty and seasonally flooded soils in the wild, so it is a good option for those spots. For the most reliable garden result, give it good soil and mulch.