Although Trachymene are perennials, they are usually grown as half hardy annuals in the garden.
Trachymene plants range from 15 to 60 cm (6 to 24 inches) in height.
Trachymene plants bloom in the summer, when they carry small purple flowers in a globe, atop an erect stalk.
Some common names for Trachymene include Laceflower and Blue Laceflower.
Australian Lace Flower (Trachymene coerulea) by Aussiegall; Creative Commons.
Trachymene pilosa - Native Parsnip by h3_six; Creative Commons.
Common Names: Lace Flower, Wild Parsnip, Rottnest Island Daisy, Blue Lace Flower, Spongefruit, Native Candytuft.
Family: Araliaceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy perennial commonly grown as a half hardy annual by gardeners.
Height: 8 to 20 inches (20 to 50 cm).
Native: Australasia.
Growing Region: Zones 3 to 8. As a perennial in zones 8 to 10.
When growing Trachymene species such as Laceflower from seeds, they should be sown in spring, just before the last frost. Lightly cover the seeds once sown.
Ideally Laceflower should be spaced about 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) apart. Grow in a sunny part of the garden that has a soil enriched with organic matter.
If starting off Laceflower indoors, then do so about 10 weeks in advance.
The seeds should be sown into peat pots. It should take about two to four weeks for Laceflower to germinate at a temperature of about 20 degrees centigrade (68°F). The germination should be done in the dark.
Once growing transplant the Trachymene seedlings outdoors a week or so after the last chance of a spring frost.
It is quite easy to care for Laceflower, the young Trachymene plants should be pinched back at the tips to encourage branching. As they like slightly moist soil, it is important to water them with moderation when soil dries out. For best results grow Laceflower closely together.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Trachymene plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ tree growing guides: How to grow Ailanthus altissima and Cercis siliquastrum plants.