Bedfordia arborescens, known as the blanket leaf, is a shrub or small tree of south eastern Australia. It occurs in or around temperate rainforests in areas of high altitude. The natural range of distribution on the mainland is from the Otway Ranges and Wilsons Promontory (39° S) in the far south east of the Australian continent to Monga National Park (35° S) near Braidwood, New South Wales. There is also an isolated occurrence in Tasmania on Cape Barren Island. Other common names are blanket bush, flannel leaf and tree blanketleaf.
Blanket leaf has strong resistance to disease and is generally not likely to suffer from illnesses. Regarding care, this plant is fairly low maintenance. When grown outdoors it needs only light watering, and larger plants typically do not require pruning. Smaller plants, however, should be trimmed after they have finished blooming. Blanket leaf is suitable for anyone with an outdoor area, such as a garden or deck, and does not need much prior care experience.
How to keep Bedfordia Arborescens.
Light
Blanket leaf is native to habitats like forest understories and rocky areas, where it grows in natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can tolerate full sun or full shade, showing its versatile and hardy nature.
Temperature
Blanket leaf is highly adaptable to different climate conditions, from blazing summers to cold winters. Still, it has an optimal temperature range for healthy growth. When temperatures climb too high, the plant is vulnerable to heat and humidity stress, which can cause it to die. In places where temperatures approach the lower limit of its cold tolerance, taking insulating measures is important to protect the plant.
Fertilizer
Apply fertilizer to your Blanket leaf in early spring to encourage healthy growth. Regular fertilization improves overall health, leading to vigorous growth, greater resilience in difficult conditions, and enhanced resistance to diseases and pests. Keep a consistent fertilization schedule for your Blanket leaf to maintain vibrant, deeply colored foliage and a lush appearance.
Pruning
Pruning blanket leaf plants in early spring boosts their health and vitality. To do this effectively, start by removing dead branches and thinning crowded areas to improve air circulation and promote new growth. This process encourages a bushier structure, which enhances the plant's resistance to pests and diseases.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Bedfordia
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-11
- Mature Height
- 3.05 m to 7.92 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 3.96 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Olive Drab
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 0.76 cm
- Bloom Time
- Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Summer, Autumn
- Harvest Time
- Mid fall, Late fall, Early winter
Other names.
