(Helichrysum bracteatum) known as Tall Strawflower, is a stunning heirloom annual celebrated for its vibrant, papery flowers that attract pollinators and maintain their vivid colors even when dried. Available in hues of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white, these blooms are a favorite for both garden displays and long-lasting dried floral arrangements.
The strawflower is a robust plant that thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, growing to a height of 2 to 3 feet and spreading 1 to 2 feet. It's an excellent choice for borders, cutting gardens, and containers, and it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies, adding ecological value to your garden.
This low-maintenance plant is drought-tolerant once established, making it ideal for gardeners looking for resilient beauty with minimal upkeep. Simply deadhead spent blooms to encourage a longer flowering season.
Tall Strawflower not only enhances garden aesthetics but also serves practical purposes in crafting and floral decor. Its durable flowers are perfect for creating dried bouquets and other arrangements, offering a lasting touch of color and elegance. Add Tall Strawflower to your garden for a splash of color that endures through the seasons and beyond.
* SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILED GROWING INFO *
All Nimble NiteCap Seeds are:
• Heirloom
• Organic
• Non-GMO
• Open Pollinated
• Untreated
• US Grown
• growing instructions included
• Regular testing is conducted to uphold the highest germination standards, all the while employing appropriate seed storage techniques.
Sustainable Packaging & Shipping:
• NimbleNitecap seeds are packed in eco-friendly, compostable seed packets. Seed packets are printed in house with vegetable-based inks on biodegradable, recycled materials. (Small plastic bags are infrequently used to prevent the loss of very small seeds.)
• All orders are carefully packed and shipped with tracking via USPS First Class (or Priority, if selected) in padded ECOENCLOSE recycled and reusable mailers, or recycled boxes to protect your items in transit.
Most orders ship out the same or next business day! Please note that this time may be extended during peak season.
• FREE SHIPPING on all orders of $35 or more. Flat Rate shipping no matter how many packets you order.
* DIRECTIONS *
Common Names:
Tall Strawflower, Everlasting Daisy
Latin Name:
Helichrysum bracteatum
Type:
Annual
Family:
Asteraceae
Native Range:
Australia
USDA Zones:
2 to 11 (Grown as an annual in most regions)
Height:
2 to 3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread:
1 to 2 feet (30-60 cm)
Bloom Time:
Summer to fall
Bloom Description:
Bright, papery flowers in colors such as yellow, orange, red, pink, and white
Sunlight:
Full sun
Moisture:
Prefers medium moisture; drought-tolerant once established
Soil:
Well-drained, sandy to loamy soils
Maintenance:
Low; deadhead to prolong blooming
Suggested Use:
Borders, cutting gardens, dried flower arrangements, containers
Flower:
Showy, durable, and excellent for drying
Leaf:
Green, lance-shaped
Attracts:
Bees, butterflies
Tolerates:
Drought, poor soil
~ Planting Instructions ~
Sowing Instructions:
- Timing: Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or direct sow after the danger of frost has passed.
- Depth: Surface sow and press lightly into the soil; seeds need light to germinate.
- Special Requirements: No special requirements.
Watering:
Keep soil consistently moist during germination; reduce watering once established.
Light and Temperature:
Prefers full sun; optimal germination temperature is 70-75°F (21-24°C).
Germination:
7-14 days under optimal conditions.
~ Transplanting Seedlings Outdoors ~
Timing:
Transplant outdoors after the last frost date when the soil has warmed.
Location:
Well-drained soil in full sun.
Spacing:
12-18 inches apart
Transplanting:
Gently transplant seedlings to avoid root disturbance; water well after planting.
~ Growing ~
Watering:
Water regularly until established. Once mature, the plants are drought-tolerant but will benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.
Fertilizing:
Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again mid-season to support growth and flowering.
Pest and Disease Management:
Generally pest-resistant. Monitor for aphids and treat if necessary. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.
Maintenance:
Deadhead regularly to encourage continued blooming. Stake tall varieties if needed to prevent toppling.
~ Harvesting ~
When to Harvest:
Harvest flowers when they are fully open for the best quality.
How to Harvest:
Cut flowers with stems early in the morning. For drying, remove the leaves from the stems and hang upside down in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area.
Drying and Storing:
Allow flowers to dry completely, which typically takes 2-3 weeks. Store dried flowers in a cool, dry place.
~ Seed Saving ~
Allow seed heads to mature and dry on the plant. Collect seeds by gently shaking the seed heads into a paper bag. Store seeds in a cool, dry place for future planting.
~ Additional Information ~
Forage for Pollinators:
Attracts bees and butterflies, contributing to garden biodiversity.
Origin:
Native to Australia, commonly grown worldwide as an ornamental.
Nomenclature:
The name Helichrysum comes from the Greek words "helios" (sun) and "chrysos" (gold), referencing the golden yellow flowers common to many species in this genus.
History:
Tall Strawflower has been cultivated for centuries for its ornamental value and durability in dried arrangements.
Potential Toxicity:
Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Climate Adaptability:
Grows well in a range of climates, particularly in sunny, well-drained areas. Ideal for regions with hot, dry summers.
