(Pycnosorus globosus ‘Billy Button’)
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Billy Button is an annual dense groundcover species and member of the Asteraceae family native to Australia. This species was previously known as Craspedia globosa and was reclassified in 1992 and has been cultivated in the United States as a garden flower since 1988. This plant reaches a height of 18-24" and features long narrow, gray foliage and 1” yellow globe-shaped flower heads. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees and butterflies, is resistant to deer and drought, and is used as a cut flower!
Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Pycnosorus
Species: globosus
Variety: Billy Buttons
Also Known As: Billy balls, billy buttons, woollyheads, and drumstick flower.
Native Range: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria
Grown as: Annual
Maturity (Blooms): Spring, Summer
Hardiness: Hardy to 20 °F.
Light: Full sun.
Water: Dry to medium. Average Water Needs. Water regularly, do not overwater.
Soil Moisture: Gritty, well-drained soil.
Suitability: Drought, Dry Soil.
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees and Butterflies.
Containers?: Yes. This plant can be used in containers.
Maintenance: Low
Height: 24”
Spacing: 12”
Sow Depth: On soil surface
USDA Zone: 3-10
Produces: brilliant 1” yellow globe shaped flower heads that are suspended in the air on 18-24” long stems which protrude from long narrow gray foliage.
Garden Uses: Beds or mixed borders. Edgings. Containers.
Genus: Pycnosorus
Species: globosus
Variety: Billy Buttons
Also Known As: Billy balls, billy buttons, woollyheads, and drumstick flower.
Native Range: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria
Grown as: Annual
Maturity (Blooms): Spring, Summer
Hardiness: Hardy to 20 °F.
Light: Full sun.
Water: Dry to medium. Average Water Needs. Water regularly, do not overwater.
Soil Moisture: Gritty, well-drained soil.
Suitability: Drought, Dry Soil.
Attracts Beneficial Insects?: Yes. Bees and Butterflies.
Containers?: Yes. This plant can be used in containers.
Maintenance: Low
Height: 24”
Spacing: 12”
Sow Depth: On soil surface
USDA Zone: 3-10
Produces: brilliant 1” yellow globe shaped flower heads that are suspended in the air on 18-24” long stems which protrude from long narrow gray foliage.
Garden Uses: Beds or mixed borders. Edgings. Containers.
Sow your seeds indoors 4 - 6 weeks before the last frost is expected. Sow 3-4 flower seeds per pot on the soil surface and lightly cover with peat moss or sand. The flower seeds need a temperature between 70 - 75F and light to germinate. Germination should occur in 14 - 21 days.
Transplanting Outdoors:
Transplant your seedlings when there are at least 2 sets of true leaves. They prefer full sun and gritty, well-drained soil. Billy Buttons are tolerant of poor soil and drought.
Sowing Seeds Outdoors:
Your flower seed can also be sown directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Prepare a seed bed with loosed soil that is free of weeds. Then sow your seeds directly on the surface and lightly sprinkle peat moss or sand on top of them. Keep the flower seeds moist until germination occurs.
Transplant your seedlings when there are at least 2 sets of true leaves. They prefer full sun and gritty, well-drained soil. Billy Buttons are tolerant of poor soil and drought.
Sowing Seeds Outdoors:
Your flower seed can also be sown directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed. Prepare a seed bed with loosed soil that is free of weeds. Then sow your seeds directly on the surface and lightly sprinkle peat moss or sand on top of them. Keep the flower seeds moist until germination occurs.
For best flower quality, harvest your Billy Button when the flower head turns completely yellow and its minute florets open fully. For best stem quality, it's important to harvest the flowers in the early morning hours when it retains the most moisture. Snip the flower stems 1/4" above their bases with clean pruning shears and insert the cut end into a container full of water that is 100 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
During the season, the flower heads will begin to turn a dull brown. Snip off entire heads and spread them out in a protected location to prevent the light seed from blowing away. When the heads have completely dried, shake them to remove the seed. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.