Rhodanthe chlorocephala subsp. rosea
Family: ASTERACEAE (1620 Genera)
Origin of Scientific Name
Rhodanthe: Greek rhodo = rose-coloured + anthos = a flower.
chlorocephala: Greek chloros = green + cephale = head, referring to the green outer bracts on the original type specimens.
rosea: Latin roseus = rosy.
Erect annual herb 5 to 50 cm tall with terminal daisy flower heads from white to crimson and all variations in between. Flower heads generally have a yellow or black centre and grow to 6 cm across. The foliage is yellow-green to mid-green, sometimes with a blue tinge and very attractive.
Southern half of Western Australia. Refer to the distribution map for this species via the Department of Environment and Conservation's FloraBase online herbarium.
June to November in the wild, but reactive to conditions.
Extremely easy to grow from seed sown in late autumn and should germinate in one to three weeks. Protect the seedlings from snails when they germinate. They prefer well-drained, composted soil in full sun. Encourage stem branching and hence more flower buds, by pinching out early.
Pests and Diseases
Susceptible to predation by kangaroos, rabbits, slugs, snails, aphids and Rutherglen bugs (sap-suckers that cause damage similar to that done by aphids).
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Excellent for dried flower arrangements. Good, fast-growing ground cover and filler.