General Description:

Actinotus is a small genus of about 20 species most of which occur in Australia but there are 2 or 3 species native to New Zealand. Actinotus helianthi is the best known member of the genus and it has been in cultivation for many years.

Actinotus superbus is an herbaceous annual plant reaching almost a metre in height in good conditions but is often much smaller. The plants do not appear annually but are only seen following fire followed by rainfall. The greyish leaves are entire or lobed with a densely hairy or velvety appearance.  The flowers are small and occur in clusters surrounded by velvety, “petal-like” bracts. The overall appearance of each head of flowers is similar to a daisy.

Flowering, when it occurs, is usually in spring to summer and is followed by fluffy seeds in a globular head. The seeds are dispersed by breezes.

A.superbus can be grown in sandy soils or in raised beds. As the plant is an annual it is not long lived but, once established, may “self-sow” so that new plants replace the originals. Good drainage is essential.

Propagation from cuttings is reasonably successful using 75 – 100 mm of stem. Late summer is a good time to take cuttings which should not be put under mist. Propagation from seed is unreliable. Good results have been reported by setting fire to a mulch layer placed over the seed bed (to simulate a bushfire).

Further information on propagation can be found in the June 2017 issue of the newsletter of the Waratah and Flannel Flower Study Group.  Although the information refers to A,helianthi specifically, similar methods should be applicable to A.superbus.