1 / 5

Brunonia australis

blue pincushion

Goodeniaceae Australia (widespread)

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Brunonia australis is a tufted perennial herb in the family Goodeniaceae, the only species in its genus. It forms a basal rosette of narrow, grey-green leaves 1-4 inches (3-10 cm) long, softly hairy and held close to the ground. From spring into summer, leafless stalks rise 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) above the foliage, each topped by a dense hemispherical head of small blue flowers about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) across, the massed protruding styles giving the pincushion look that names the plant. The flower heads are surrounded by a ring of green bracts. After flowering, small dry fruits form within the persistent head. The species is distributed across most of mainland Australia, growing in open grassland, woodland, and heath on sandy and gravelly soils. It withstands drought by dying back to the rootstock in hot, dry periods and reshooting after rain. Lifespan is variable, with some plants behaving as short-lived perennials and others persisting several years. Heavy, poorly drained soils and prolonged wet conditions shorten its life.

Native Range

Brunonia australis is native to Australia, where it occurs in all mainland states and the Northern Territory. It grows in open eucalypt woodland, native grassland, and heath, usually on freely draining sandy or gravelly soils.

Suggested Uses

Grown in native cottage plantings, rockeries, and container displays, and in grassland restoration. Suited to dry, sunny borders and gravel gardens where its blue heads sit above low groundcovers. Spaced 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) apart in drifts.

How to Identify

Recognised by its ground-hugging rosette of soft, grey-green leaves and tall leafless stalks each carrying a single rounded head of blue flowers. The protruding blue styles create a pincushion texture, and a collar of leafy bracts sits beneath each head. No other widespread Australian herb combines a basal rosette with bright blue terminal flower clusters of this form.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 1'8"

Width/Spread6" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

blue

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~12 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering is concentrated in spring and early summer, mainly September to December, and can extend after good rains. The blue heads open over several weeks and draw native bees and butterflies. Plants in full sun flower more freely than those in shade.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on light, freely draining sandy or loamy soils, and tolerates poor, gravelly ground. Established plants need little water and withstand extended dry spells by retreating to the rootstock. Wet, heavy soils and prolonged moisture cause rot and shorten the plant life, so sharp drainage matters most. A position open to air movement reduces fungal problems. Light feeding with a low-phosphorus native fertilizer in spring supports flowering. Spent flower stalks can be trimmed once heads dry.

Pruning

Trimming spent flower stalks to the base after seeds ripen keeps the rosette tidy and can prompt a second flush in mild seasons. No structural pruning is required. Old or tatty rosettes can be cut back to encourage fresh basal growth.

Pruning Schedule

summer