Strawflower is a colorful short-lived plant grown as a perennial in optimal zones or typically as an annual in regions with hot summers. The flower thrives in full and partial sun, well-drained soil, and temperatures ranging from 65 to 70 degrees. Strawflower enjoys blooming from spring until fall.

Understanding the Context

At first glance, strawflower blooms look similar to mums, but giving them a slight touch gives them away—the bracts of a strawflower feel like stiff paper even when the flower first opens, giving it a head start as an everlasting. Strawflower is a daisy-like annual that blooms continuously from spring until frost. Learn how to grow this exceptional cutting flower now. What is a strawflower?

Key Insights

This heat-loving, drought-tolerant plant is valued for its charming, straw-like blooms in bright shades of red, orange, pink, purple, yellow, and white. Learn how and when to plant strawflower seeds to grow premium dried blooms for flower arrangements. Includes cultural preferences, when to harvest, and uses. In North America, we refer to it as strawflower, though they’re also called golden everlasting in other regions. To keep things simple, I’m going to stick to the name of strawflower!

Final Thoughts

Strawflowers have a large sunny yellow flower surrounded by papery bracts (often mistaken for petals). Xerochrysum bracteatum, commonly known as the golden everlasting or strawflower, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Australia. Described by Étienne Pierre Ventenat in 1803, it was known as Helichrysum bracteatum for many years before being transferred to a new genus Xerochrysum in 1990. In my experience, successful cultivation of strawflowers stems from understanding their ideal growing conditions and maintenance needs. Below, I outline the specifics for soil, watering, sunlight, temperature, and fertilization that will ensure a vibrant and healthy strawflower garden. Strawflowers (Bracteantha) are easy-care and elegant annual plants that offer a long bloom season.

At first glance, it might seem like they have a strange common name, but touch the brightly colored blooms and it becomes apparent. An excellent dried flower, the petals have a dry, papery feel. An easy to understand guide to growing and caring for Strawflower or Paper Daisy plants, with propagation, flower drying tips, light and watering requirements, photos and growing help