Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum)
The original strawflower comes from Australia, where it still grows wild as a native species. The first botanical records of the strawflower date back to 1803, with the publication of a work called Jardin de Malmaison. this book, a catalog of the species grown at the Chateau de Malmaison, was completed by French botanist Etienne Pierre Ventenat at the request of Napoleon's wife Josephine, who had an avid interest in rare plants. Hybrid forms of this flower first became popular in mid 19th century Europe as a result of the horticultural research of expert botanist Herren Ebritsch.
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General Information
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Germination
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Seedlings
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Harvesting
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Seed Saving
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Companion Planting
Also Known As: Paper Daisy, Golden Everlasting
Grown as: Annual/Tender Perennial
Maturity (Blooms): June to frost
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low to Medium
Soil Moisture: Dry to medium, well-drained
Maintenance: Low
Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Attracts an array of beneficial insects such as butterflies, bumblebees, hummingbirds, and even ladybugs.
Containers?: Yes.
Height: 30”
Spacing: 11”
Sow Depth: 1/16"
USDA Zone: Annual: 2-7
Perennial: 8-10
Produces: 1-3" Daisy-like flowers with central yellow disks surrounded by glossy, papery, rigid, petal-like bracts in yellow, orange, red, pink or white.
Garden Uses: Borders. Containers, and are excellent in cutting gardens for both fresh cut and dried flowers.
Seed Viability: 2-3 years
Suggested Varieties
Thyme: Common (Thymus vulgaris)
Thyme: Creeping (Thymus serpyllum)
This plant is widely known as an herb. Thyme is the source of the oil Serpolet, which is used in herbal medicine. The plant is also often used as a food seasoning and the dried leaves may be used to make tea! This low growing plant with creeping, woody foliage bears small, lavender colored flower during the months of June and July. The hardy plant tolerates some pedestrian traffic and produces odors ranging from heavily herbal to lightly lemon, depending on the plant!