Trachymene coerulea Lace Mixed | Lace Flower | Didiscus

Trachymene coerulea ‘Lavender Blue’

Lace Flower · Didiscus · Annual Cut Flower

A refined and elegant cut flower, Trachymene coerulea ‘Lavender Blue’ produces soft, pale blue lace-like umbels with a gentle, clean fragrance. The delicate blooms are held high on stiff, upright stems, creating an airy and sophisticated look that works beautifully in both garden borders and floral arrangements.

Plants have a lightly branching habit with minimal foliage, allowing the flowers to take center stage. In trials, ‘Lavender Blue’ blooms continuously for up to two months, making it an excellent choice for succession sowing and extended cutting periods. A favorite among florists for its texture, subtle colour, and long vase life.

Plant Details

• Botanical name: Trachymene coerulea
• Common name: Lace Flower, Didiscus
• Life cycle: Annual (half hardy)
• Hybrid status: Open pollinated
• Plant height: 60–90 cm
  
• Stem length: 30–60 cm 
  
• Plant spacing: 15–30 cm
• Days to maturity: 95–100 days
• Vase life: 8–10 days

Flowering & Harvest

• Bloom size: approx. 5–6 cm (2–2½ in)
• Harvest stage: When ½ of the flowers on the umbel are open
• Regular cutting encourages continued flowering

Germination Instructions

Direct sowing (recommended):

• Sow outdoors after last frost (April–May)
• Sow thinly 1 mm deep in drills spaced 30 cm apart
• Lightly cover with soil (darkness aids germination)
• Keep soil moist
• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22 °C

Indoor sowing (optional):

• Sow 6–8 weeks before last frost
• Lightly cover seeds; darkness required
• Water from the base only
• Temperature: 18–20 °C
• Germination: 15–20 days
• Transplant carefully; plants dislike root disturbance

Growing Instructions

• Prefers well-drained, sandy soil
• Grow in full sun to part shade
• May require light staking in exposed sites
• Easy to grow and tolerant of less-than-ideal conditions

Cultivation & Maintenance

• Cut flowers regularly or deadhead to prolong flowering
• Succession sow every 2–3 weeks from spring through summer
• Best results achieved with direct sowing

Uses

• Cut flower
• Summer bedding
• Borders & cutting gardens
• Cottage-style plantings