Description
Didiscus coeruleus (Trachymene coerulea) | Blue Lace Flower
Blue Lace Flower, also known as Rottnest Island Daisy, is an annual flower that was introduced from Australia in 1828. It was likely carried to England first and then introduced into the United States. Didiscus Coeruleus was a popular cottage garden flower during Victorian times, but lost its popularity in the mid-20th century. However, Blue Lace Flower is now re-emerging as an excellent cut flower with a long vase-life as the blooms retain their beauty, color and form for several weeks when cut.
Plant starts off as lovely lacy mound of silver-green foliage and then in late July or early August it will begin to produce its beautiful, lightly sweet scented, large umbels of light lavender-blue blossoms which are borne on 24 inch stems, resembling those of Queen Anne’s Lace. It’s a prolific bloomer that will continue to bloom throughout the fall if dead-headed. The beautiful, showy blue flowers, curving stems and fine, deeply lobed leaves all combine to make a graceful addition to the late summer and fall garden.
It is often recommended to direct-sow outdoors because plants do not transplant well as it is a tap-rooted annual, so if started early indoors, transplant carefully. We didn’t find this to be an issue.
Attracts beneficial insects.
Type: Annual
Sun exposure: Full sun to part shade
Mature height: 3 ft
Mature width: 18 inches
Hardiness zones: 5-10