Cottonheads

Cottonheads (Conostylis candicans) is a low Western Australian wildflower that forms a small, grassy clump about 30cm tall and 30 to 50cm wide. From winter to summer it carries round, deep yellow, bobbly flowerheads on slender grey-silver stems above grey-green foliage. It is a dry-climate plant that wants sharp drainage and plenty of airflow.

Why you'll love it

• Flowers for months. Golden flowerheads open from winter through to summer, a long season for such a small plant.
• A cousin of kangaroo paws. It belongs to the same plant family, and the soft grey-green clump looks the part in a native planting.
• Tough in dry and frost. Once established it tolerates dry periods and frost. If it stops flowering in a long dry spell, the root survives to reshoot.
• Compact and tidy. At 30cm by 30 to 50cm it fits rockeries, borders and the front of a bed.
• Easy to pair. It looks good beside yellow buttons, billy buttons, lemon beauty heads, dwarf lomandras and bulbine lilies.

Where it works best

Rockeries and gravel gardens. Sharp drainage and sun are what it asks for, which is exactly what a rockery gives.

Borders and mass planting. Plant 40cm apart in a sunny border for a low, golden-dotted drift.

Coastal and native gardens. It suits coastal gardens in dry southern climates. Where soil is heavy or moist, grow it in a pot with plenty of gritty material for drainage.

Growing Cottonheads in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and good airflow. It suits Mediterranean, arid and temperate gardens and dislikes high humidity. In humid climates it sulks, and south-east Queensland is about as tropical as it likes.

Soil. Very well drained soil. If your soil is heavy or stays moist, grow it in a pot with plenty of gritty material.

Water and feed. Water regularly until it is established, usually around 12 weeks. After that it stands extended dry periods. Fertilise with a slow release native fertiliser in autumn.

Pruning. No regular pruning is needed. Snip off spent flower stems if you want a tidier clump.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Cottonheads as tube stock. That is a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plant it in gritty, free-draining soil, water it in well and let it settle before it flowers.

Tube stock is grown for us and availability moves around. A sold out tube just means the grower has none today, and the notify button on this page emails you the day it returns.

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

• Kangaroo paws, its close relatives
• Rockery plants for sunny gardens
• More Australian native plants
• Drought tolerant plants

Common questions

Will it grow in a humid climate?

It struggles. It does not like high humidity, and south-east Queensland is about as tropical as it will tolerate. In humid gardens, grow it in a pot with gritty mix and plenty of airflow.

How far apart should I plant it?

Plant 40cm apart for a mass planting or border. The clumps are 30 to 50cm wide, so they meet without crowding.

What goes well with it?

Yellow buttons, billy buttons and lemon beauty heads match its colour. Dwarf lomandras and bulbine lilies also mix well, especially in a mass planting.