Lasiopetalum spp.

velvet bush

Malvaceae

Australia (mainly south-western Western Australia)

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Lasiopetalum spp. is a genus of about 40 evergreen shrubs in the family Malvaceae, all native to Australia and concentrated in the south-west of Western Australia. Most species form low to medium shrubs 0.3-2 m (1-6.5 ft) tall and wide, with branchlets, flower stalks, and leaf undersides densely coated in rusty or grey star-shaped (stellate) hairs that give the foliage a velvety surface. The simple leaves are usually narrow with margins that are recurved or shallowly wavy, dark green above and paler beneath. The visible part of each flower is the five-lobed calyx, which may be white, cream, pink, or greenish and 5-12 mm (0.2-0.5 in) across; the true petals are reduced to small scales. Flowers hang in loose clusters, mainly through winter and spring. The genus grows in heath, open woodland, and rocky scrub on sandy or gravelly, often nutrient-poor soils. Many species are adapted to dry summers and tolerate extended drought once established, though they are sensitive to root disturbance and to soils that hold water. Like other south-western Australian shrubs, several species are susceptible to the soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi.

Native Range

Lasiopetalum spp. is endemic to Australia, with most species occurring in south-western Western Australia and a smaller number extending across southern and eastern states. Plants grow in heathland, mallee, and dry open forest, usually on sandy or gravelly soils.

Suggested Uses

Grown in native and water-wise gardens, rockeries, and on embankments in mild climates. The compact habit and velvety foliage suit low borders and container culture, with plants spaced 0.5-1 m (1.5-3 ft) apart.

How to Identify

Recognized by a covering of rust-colored or grey star-shaped hairs on the young stems, flower clusters, and leaf undersides. The narrow leaves often have rolled-under or wavy margins. The flowers lack obvious petals; the colored, five-pointed structure is the hairy calyx.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 6'7"

Width/Spread1' - 6'7"

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Winter Spring

Most species flower from late autumn through spring, with peak bloom in winter and early spring, roughly June to October in the southern hemisphere. The nodding clusters of cup- or star-shaped calyces last several weeks. Flowering is followed by small capsules.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

white, cream, pink, or greenish

Foliage Description

dark green above, rusty-hairy beneath

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 5-10 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 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand rocky loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

2-4 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plants grow in full sun to light shade and require sharp drainage in sandy or gravelly soil. Established shrubs tolerate dry summers and need only occasional deep watering. Most species are sensitive to phosphorus, so high-phosphorus fertilizers are replaced with low-phosphorus native blends. Cold tolerance is limited, with most species hardy only to light frost. Good air movement and unwatered summer conditions reduce the risk of root rot from Phytophthora spp..

Pruning

A light trim after flowering keeps plants compact and encourages branching. Cutting into bare leafless wood is generally unproductive, as many species are slow to reshoot from old stems. Spent flower clusters need no removal.