Wahlenbergia stricta
Australian bluebell
Overview
Wahlenbergia stricta is an erect perennial herb growing 0.3-0.9 m (12-35 in) tall and 0.2-0.4 m (8-16 in) wide, native to eastern and southern Australia. From a low rosette it sends up slender, wiry, branching stems that carry narrow leaves toward the base and become almost leafless above. The stems exude a milky sap when broken. Through spring and summer the branch tips open pale to deep blue flowers 1.5-2.5 cm (0.6-1 in) across, each a five-lobed star or shallow bell that closes in dull weather and at night. Bees and other insects work the flowers, which are followed by small capsules releasing tiny seed. It grows in grassland, open forest, and roadsides on a range of well-drained soils and self-seeds readily into open ground. The plant tolerates frost and dry spells once established but is short-lived, often behaving as a biennial or short-lived perennial and relying on seedlings to persist. Its airy, sparse habit can look untidy outside flowering, and it may seed into surrounding beds.
Native Range
Native to eastern and southern Australia, occurring across all mainland states and Tasmania in grassland, open woodland, heath, and disturbed roadsides on many soil types from the lowlands to subalpine areas.Suggested Uses
Used in native cottage gardens, meadow and grassland plantings, rockeries, and containers. The blue flowers suit informal and pollinator borders. Spaced 25-40 cm (10-16 in) apart in drifts.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'11"
Width/Spread8" - 1'4"
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Bloom Information
Blue flowers open from spring through summer and into autumn, roughly September to February, opening with the sun and closing in dull weather. Flowering continues over many weeks, especially where spent blooms are removed. Small seed capsules follow and scatter readily.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale to deep blueFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-9 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
Grow in full sun to light shade on most well-drained soils of low to moderate fertility. Water during establishment and dry spells, though the plant tolerates drought once rooted. Cut spent flowering stems back to encourage repeat bloom and to limit self-seeding where it is not wanted. The species is short-lived, so allowing some seed to set keeps a patch going. It needs little feeding and resists frost. In rich, moist soil the stems grow soft and flop, so leaner ground gives sturdier plants.Pruning
Shear the clump back after the main flush to tidy the wiry stems and prompt a second flush of bloom. Remove old flowering stems at the base in autumn as they die down. No woody pruning is needed.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
fall
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons