White laceflower, Orlaya grandiflora, is a pretty plant native to the Mediterranean, where it thrives in vineyards and olive groves. It bears lovely fern-like foliage and clusters of pure white flowers, similar to lace-cap hydrangeas. Flowers appear over a long period, often until the first frosts. It's a great choice for wildlife gardens and is particularly attractive to hoverflies.
For early flowering plants, sow Orlaya grandiflora seed in autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Alternatively, sow seed in spring for plants that will flower into autumn. Allow plants to self-seed or collect seed after flowering and sow fresh for next year's crop.
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Orlaya and wildlife
Orlaya is known for attracting bees, beneficial insects, birds and other pollinators. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers and has seeds for birds.
