Spiny Cottonheads

Ideal Position

Spiny Cottonheads is versatile, enjoying a range of positions. Suitable for denser plantings and will perform well in full sun or light shade.

Spiny Cottonheads is ideally placed at the front of your garden bed.

When to Plant and Watering

Plant young seedlings in Djeran (mid-Autumn) prior to the Makuru rains (Winter). Avoid planting in the hottest times of the year.
Seedlings should be watered twice a week over their first summer in the garden. It is important to ensure water penetrates down into the root-zone.
We recommend using a soil wetting agent as Perth soils are often ‘water repellent’, or do not absorb water effectively.
A layer of composted, coarse mulch can help in getting your garden started. It will help by reducing water loss and suppressing the growth of weeds.

Spiny Cottonheads are waterwise, drought-hardy plants and do not require supplementary water once established.

Spiny Cottonheads should be grouped with other waterwise, drought-hardy plants.

Feeding and Soil Care

Spiny Cottonheads will benefit from supplementary feeding.
A native, slow release fertiliser can be applied every nine months.
A light application of blood and bone, with a small amount of potash applied during flower-bud production, will promote a strong floral display.
Avoid fertilisers that contain high rates of phosphate – this could harm neighbouring habitat plants.

How to Prune

Dead or failing flowers should be removed at the base of the flowering stem using a pair of secateurs.