About Dampiera linearis R.Br.
Dampiera linearis R.Br. is an erect shrub that grows 15 to 60 cm (6 in to 2 ft) tall, and grows via a suckering habit. New growth is hairy, and becomes hairless as the plant matures. Its leaves are obovate to elliptical, and may be either entire or lobed; they measure 1 to 4 cm long and 1 to 10 mm wide. In its native range, it produces flowers from July to December. The flowers are 1.5 to 2 cm wide, and are light blue to purple with a yellow or white centre. The outer undersurface of the flowers is covered in fine hairs. Flowers grow in groups of 1 to 3 from a hair-covered peduncle.
Dampiera linearis occurs across the southwest corner of Western Australia, spanning from Geraldton in the north to Esperance in the southeast. It grows on sand or clay soils over laterite, in ridges and flat areas.
Ecologically, individual Dampiera linearis plants can survive bushfire, resprouting and producing new growth quickly. Fieldwork conducted on the Swan Coastal Plain found this species is likely resistant to Phytophthora cinnamomi.
In cultivation, some forms of Dampiera linearis are grown and sold for their colourful flowers, while other forms are valued for attractive grey foliage. This species grows best in a well-drained position in full sun or light shade. It tolerates some dryness and moderate frost, but cannot tolerate waterlogged soils. It is a suitable attractive plant for hanging baskets. Dampiera linearis roots easily from cuttings; trials at Kings Park show that semi-hardened cutting material works best, with an average rooting time of 48 days.
