Felicia heterophylla

Scientific name

Felicia heterophylla is an annual herb of 0.3 x 0.3 m. The oblanceolate leaves are arranged alternately on the stem, 10-50 mm long, hairy, sometimes with 3 main nerves in the broader leaves. The margins are smooth or rarely obscurely toothed.

The blue flowerheads, consisting of blue ray and disc florets, are borne singly on long peduncles during spring (August-October). The 'seeds' (cypselas) are small, 4.5 x 2 mm, elliptic or obovate, yellowish brown and hairy. They are topped with a tuft of white hairs (pappus hairs) which helps with wind dispersal.

Propagation instructions

By seed

Propagate from seed sown in late summer to early autumn (early March in the southern hemisphere). Seed is best sown in a seed bed or seedtray and seedlings transplanted to a sheltered position in the garden whilst they are still fairly small. Germination takes place within one week.