General Description:

Lawrencella is a small genus of two species both of which were formerly classified in the genus Helichrysum. Lawrencella rosea was previously known as Helichrysum lindleyi.

Lawrencella rosea is a low growing, annual species up to about 0.3 metres high by a similar width. The leaves are linear and up to 100 mm long. The flower heads occur singly at the ends of the stems and are up to 40 mm in diameter with yellow centres surrounded by rosy pink (rarely white) bracts. Flowers occur in spring and summer.

This is a very floriferous species for temperate areas with a dry summer climate and looks best in massed plantings. However, difficulties in germination of seed have restricted its widespread cultivation to date. A sunny position in well drained soils is preferred. The flowers last well when picked and may also be used dried.

Propagation may be carried out from seed but germination may be unreliable. Cuttings strike easily but this is possibly of limited benefit for an annual.