(Xerochrysum bracteatum ‘Strawflower’)

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Strawflower is a tender perennial flower that is native to Australia but can be commonly found growing in the northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 2-3' and features 5” lance-shaped grayish-green leaves and 1-3” daisy-like flowers that have a yellow center disks which are surrounded by orange, red, yellow, pink, or white bracts. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and ladybugs, tolerates drought, self sows, and is great as a cut flower!

  • General Information
  • Germination
  • Seedlings
  • Harvesting
  • Seed Saving
  • Companion Planting
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Family: Asteraceae

Genus: Xerochrysum 

Species: bracteatum

Variety: Strawflower
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Also Known As: Paper Daisy, Golden Everlasting

Native to: New Guinea, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Western Australia.

Introduced into: Austria, Baltic States, Belarus, Bolivia, Canary Is., Colombia, Connecticut, Cook Is., Costa Rica, Cuba, Czechoslovakia, East Himalaya, El Salvador, Ethiopia, France, Germany, Great Britain, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jawa, Korea, Krym, Laos, Leeward Is., Madeira, Massachusetts, Mexico Southeast, Panamá, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Primorye, Puerto Rico, Romania, Spain, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam.

Grown as: Annual/Tender Perennial
 
Maturity (Blooms): June to frost
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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: 5” lance-shaped grayish-green leaves and 1-3” daisy-like flowers that have a yellow center disks which are surrounded by orange, red, yellow, pink, or white bracts. 

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

(Thymus vulgaris 'Common')

Common Thyme is a woody-based, upright perennial herb that is native to southern Europe but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 12-18” and features a foliage mound of upward growing woody stems, tiny, oval-shaped, grayish-green, aromatic leaves, and small, tubular, light pink flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, repels moths, tolerates deer and drought, flavors perfumes, shampoos, and toothpastes, makes essential oils, mouthwash, and potpourri, and is both edible and medicinal! 
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(Thymus serpyllum 'Creeping')

Creeping Thyme is a woody-based, creeping perennial herb that is native to Europe but can be commonly found growing in gardens throughout the United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 3-6” and features a 12-18” wide foliage mat of rooting stems, 1/4” oval-shaped, blueish-green leaves, and small, tubular, two-lipped, bell-shaped dark pink/purple flowers. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, birds, and butterflies, repels moths, tolerates deer, drought, and light frost, flavors perfumes and soaps, makes essential oils and fungicide, and is both edible and medicinal! 
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