The pink flannel flower is wowing locals and tourists this summer
In what's been lauded as a once-in-a-lifetime event, a rare pink variety of Flannel Flower is blooming in the Blue Mountains.
White Flannel Flowers are common in the Blue Mountains National Park. However, according to
Australian Geographic, the pink version (
Actinotus forsythii), is so rare that few of us have ever seen them.
It's believed the recent bushfires are behind the rare blossoming. The seeds lie dormant for years and germinate in summer in response to bushfire smoke and generous rainfall, such as we've seen recently.
Such plants are known as 'bushfire ephemerals'.
Gorgeous revival in the burnt bush – drifts of Pink Flannel Flowers.
News and images of the rare species has spread like wildfire over social media. The blooms were even the subject of a Sydney Morning Herald news story (February 15, 2021).
Flannel flowers,
Actinotus helianthi are so-named for their soft downy petals. The plants favour sandstone heathland and shallow soils over sandstone ledges.
The pink version, also known as the Ridge Flannel Flower has smaller petals than its showier white cousin with a diameter of about 20mm.
Close up of the Pink Flannel Flower which belongs surprisingly, to the carrot family.
The flowers are currently abloom in charred bush burned by the fires – from Katoomba to Lithgow and Newnes. Katoomba, the epicentre and main tourist town of the Blue Mountains lies about 100 kilometres from Sydney.
According to reported sightings, the Flannel Flowers are blooming in the following places:
Narrowneck, Katoomba near the Golden Stairs lookout. For detailed instructions on how to get to Narrowneck Trail, see the
National Parks website here.
Go towards the end of Katoomba Street, and throw a right into Katoomba Falls Road, turn into Cliff Drive and pass Scenic World. After that, look for a dirt track with a sign on it that says Narrowneck. Drive up here (be careful, the roads a bit chunky and pot-holed) until you see the small signs (see last picture in this article).
Gooch's Crater near the
Gardens of Stone National Park at Newnes, three hours from Sydney.
TIP
The flowers, which started blooming late last year, are expected to last a few months – so until about March, so don't leave it too long to check them out.
While you're up, why not make a day of it. There's a great bush trail at Narrowneck for mountain biking, lots of bush walks around Narrowneck and in the town, plenty of cafes, restaurants and The Carrington Lounge for a relaxing drink.
If you don't make it this year, don't worry. With bushfires and controlled burning more common in the region, chances are the Pink Flannel Flower will return soon.
If you do see them, say good aye to the pinkies for me! Enjoy!
Look for the signs along the dirt road of Narrowneck, Katoomba
