Leschenaultia biloba
blue leschenaultia
Overview
Leschenaultia biloba is an evergreen shrub reaching 8-20 inches (20-50 cm) tall and spreading 1.5-3 feet (45-90 cm) wide, with a low, sometimes sprawling form. The stems carry crowded, narrow, almost needle-like leaves 0.2-0.6 inch (5-15 mm) long, grey-green to green. Fan-shaped flowers 0.8-1.2 inches (20-30 mm) across appear at the stem tips in shades of blue, occasionally white, each with the split, fanned petals of the family Goodeniaceae spp.. The main flowering period runs from late winter through spring. The flowers are visited by native bees and birds. Fruit is a small dry capsule. Growth is moderate, and plants reach full size within 2 years. The species is short-lived in cultivation, often declining after 3-5 years, and is intolerant of poorly drained soils and summer humidity. Plants grown outside their dry Mediterranean-type climate are prone to root rot and fungal collapse during warm, wet periods.
Native Range
Native to southwestern Western Australia, where it grows in heath and open woodland (kwongan) on sandy and gravelly soils. It occurs in a winter-rainfall, dry-summer climate at low to moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Planted in rockeries, containers, and low-water gardens with sharp drainage, spaced 18-30 inches (45-75 cm) apart. Used as a low ground cover in dry, sunny positions. The short lifespan and drainage needs limit use in humid or heavy-soil gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'8"
Width/Spread1'6" - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Main flowering occurs from late winter through spring (July to November in the Southern Hemisphere). Scattered flowers may appear at other times in mild conditions. Individual flowers last about 1-2 weeks; the overall display extends 8-10 weeks. Flowering is reduced in shade and in humid summers.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Blue, occasionally whiteFoliage Description
Grey-green to greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in sharply drained sandy or gravelly soils of low fertility. Plants need occasional water through the first dry season, after which they tolerate extended drought. Excess water and humidity, especially in summer, cause root and stem rot. Low-phosphorus fertiliser suits the plant, as members of the family are damaged by high phosphorus. Lifespan in cultivation is typically 3-5 years, and plants are often replaced from cuttings. Raised beds or containers improve drainage in higher-rainfall regions.Pruning
Light tip-pruning after flowering keeps the plant compact and encourages branching. Cutting into bare old wood may not produce new shoots. Removing spent flower stems maintains a tidy form.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
springsummer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons