Featherflower (Verticordia insignis). Myrtacae.
These tiny little plumed powder puffs are another fine example of the fanciful floral world of Noongar Country, Western Australia. They are tiny balls of cotton candy in bud form, unfurling in the warmth of spring to reveal their honey-perfumed plumage. They are pollinated by native bees and provide nectar and habitat for honey-loving birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. A bunch of Verticordia can be hung upside down and dried over one to two weeks for a forever floral bouquet.
WHERE TO LOOK
Nestled into the southern corner of Western Australia, these little powder puffs love their sandy heaths and rocky outcrops and can be found in the Darling Scarp, Avon Wheatbelt, Jarrah Forest, Geraldton Sandplains and Swan Coastal Plain. They generally hang out with their native feathery Verticordia friends such as V. grandiflora, V. chrysantha and V. grandis – these are all south-west corner residents and are worth exploring for.
FEATURES
This gangly shrub grows 60–150cm tall and is peppered with pink, sometimes white, feathery blossoms with scented petals covered in soft hairs. Leaves are small, around 4–8mm, and are also scented. The fruit is nut-like and contains a single seed.
FLOWERING
Winter to summer. Blossoms can be found from September to November but have also been known to show up on the warmer side of winter.
PLANTING
Given their hometown of sandy heaths and rocky rises, the Verticordias love a sunny position and light sandy soil. Plant out in the warmer months to avoid any root rot issues. They will withstand dry summers and are mildly frost resistant. In the wild they are gangly plants, so a little trim after flowering will keep them nice and plump.
Edited text and images extracted from 100 Australian Wildflowers by Mel Baxter. Hardie Grant Explore, RRP$29.99.
This article was originally published in Issue 29 – Flights of Fancy. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
