Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum)

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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
Germination
Seedlings
Harvesting
Seed Saving
Companion Planting

Scientific Name: Helichrysum bracteatum

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.

Direct sow seeds in early spring, pressing them into the surface of the soil since they need light to germinate. Keep the soil moist until germination, which usually occurs within 8-10 days. To start indoors, plant several seeds each in peat pots; keep the soil lightly moist and at a temperature of 70-75 degrees F until germination. Transplant the seedlings outdoors after the last chance of frost or when they can safely be handled.

This plant tolerates heat and drought well, and will only need watering in extended periods of dry weather. Do not overwater, since this can cause disease. This plant adapts well to poor soil. Pinching off the tips of developing plants will encourage branching and produce fuller, bushier plants. Deadhead blossoms to extend the time of blooming. Though an annual, this plant self-seeds readily and will come back the next year if allowed.

For fresh flowers, cut long stems of flowers that have just opened and place them in water immediately; strip the leaves that will fall below the water. For long-lasting dried flowers, cut blossoms just before they fully open. Bundle the stems and hang them upside down to dry. For best results in flower arrangements, wire the stems to provide sufficient support.

As the flowers mature, they will turn a golden tan with a fluffy center; rub the center gently to remove the seeds. Harvest these seeds as soon as they ripen, since birds love to eat them. Store the cleaned seeds in a cool, dry place.

Seed Viability: 2-3 years

Dianthus and Thyme. Strawflowers close at night and in rainy weather, so they are at their best in sunny beds seen during the day. Blue ageratum or airy nigella make excellent neighbors for strawflowers.

Suggested Varieties

Thyme: Common (Thymus vulgaris)

$1.00 - $5.60

Native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean, thyme has a well established reputation for providing healing and protection; it also symbolizes courage, bravery, and strength. For centuries, soldiers would wear or carry sprigs of thyme with them to battle with the belief that the herb would protect them from danger. For culinary use, it is most often paired with lamb, poultry, or lemon; thyme makes one of the finest flavors of honey, and the plant attracts many bees. Medieval herbalists treated poisonous stings or bites with this herb, or burned it to purify the air. During the time of the Black Death, thyme became a major ingredient in many treatments for the disease. Whether or not it actually performed a cure, recent research confirms that thyme contains a very powerful antiseptic that may have medical benefits; records show several instances of thyme syrup completely curing whooping cough within a week. Though culinary use is fine, pregnant women should not take medicinal doses of thyme.

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Thyme: Creeping (Thymus serpyllum)

$1.00 - $5.60

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!

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