Blue is the rarest flower colour, but in our district at this time of year we are spoilt of choice, particularly with lilies, some of which have flowers which are short lived, but quickly replaced. A close look will reveal that the characteristic six petals are actually three petals alternated with three sepals.
We have three Flax-lilies, Dianellas, which are displaying short and tall versions of their delightful dangling flowers with long dark anthers with a bright yellow swelling at the base.
Coast Flax-lily
Our three Fringe-lilies, Thysanotus, have flowers of different sizes and growth habits, but all with the three petals attractively fringed, and the three sepals with smooth margins.
Fringe Lily
Our two Purple flags, Patersonia, one short and one tall, have large deep mauve to purplish flowers.
Tall Purple Flag
Best of all, but not a lily, is the Blue Pincushion, Brunonia australis, one of our most vibrantly coloured plants with yellow styles that look like pins.
Blue Pincushion
Blue Pincushion flower
Ellinor Campbell