Verticordia chrysantha
Verticordia chrysantha
Common Name: Yellow Feather Flower
Family: MYRTACEAE (c. 150 genera)
Origin of Scientific Name
Verticordia - Latin, an epithet of Venus, the Turner of Hearts, to whom the myrtle was sacred (plants from the MYRTACEAE family are commonly known as 'myrtles').
Chrysantha – Greek chrysos = gold + anthos = flower
Description
A small, dense perennial shrub from 0.3 to 1 m high with a similar spread and heath-like foliage.
Verticordia chrysantha has the largest flowers of the three yellow-flowered Verticordias in the area and is very similar to V. chrysanthella, but distinguished by slightly larger flowers and leaves. The flowers are bright yellow, fading to gold with a reddish centre.
Bright yellow feathery flowers
Distribution
Widespread from Esperance on the south coast, to just south of Shark Bay on the west coast. Refer to the distribution map for this species via the Department of Environment and Conservation's FloraBase online herbarium.
Flowering Season
August to December or January.
Cultivation/Propagation
Propagate from semi-hardwood cuttings with an application of root hormone gel such as Clonex. The roots are susceptible to root rot, so they are best planted in spring or autumn and require regular watering over their first summer, but always with good drainage.
All Verticordias appreciate a small amount of low-phosphorous, slow-release, native fertiliser to sustain healthy growth.
Choose a site that gets full sun for at least half a day all year, or plant them in pots so you can move them around the yard. V. chrysantha is ideal for rockeries, shrubberies and borders.
Pests and Diseases
Best suited to Mediterranean climates as this species is very susceptible to root collar rot and some moulds and fungi, all associated with poor drainage or wet summers.
Compact habit
View in Kings Park
In the Botanic Garden entry beds, the garden beds surrounding Zamia Cafe, the garden beds surrounding Fraser's Restaurant and Botanical Cafe and in garden bed directly north of Roe Carpark and adjacent to Forrest Drive. To help locate these sites, you may wish to download the Western Australian Botanic Garden Guide brochure via our brochures page.
Notes
Native bird attractant and excellent for cut flowers, as are most Verticordias.