Orlaya grandiflora – White Lace Flower

Orlaya grandiflora – White Lace Flower

The aptly named White Lace Flower produces a profusion of lacy flowers resembling little domes of broderie anglaise. The umbellifer flowers are born on well branched strong upright stems from clumps of fern-like foliage. Flowers are followed by attractive green star-shaped seedheads.

From an Autumn sowing it will begin to flower in May and can be productive for up to six weeks. Definitely a worthy contender for the cutting patch, making a delicate filler for late Spring and early Summer arrangements.

Plant type: hardy annual

Site: full sun

Height: 90-120cm

Plant spacing: 30cm

Sown to grown:

Minimum no. seeds per packet: 100

Growing tips : I only grow Orlaya from an Autumn sowing as I find Spring sown plants never put on enough growth to make quality cut flowers. The seed benefits from being sown fresh as it can be slow and erratic to germinate.

Harvesting/Arranging tips: Pick when the flowers are fully open but not dusty with pollen. Pair it with: Ranunculus, Icelandic Poppies, Sweet Peas, Peonies.

Vase life: 7-10 days

Cost: £2.50