The name strawflower doesn’t do much to excite the flower gardener, eliciting images of something withered and tan, but the real strawflower blossom will bring vivid colors to your landscape and craft projects alike.

Latin Name:

Genus Bracteantha, a part of the Asteraceae family

Common Names:

Everlasting daisy, golden everlasting, paper daisy, strawflower

Zone:

The strawflower can behave as a short-lived perennial in zones 8-11, returning reliably for two to three years.

In most regions however, gardeners start strawflowers from seed each year. The annual plants grow best in regions with hot summers, so if you have cool summers try growing the similar looking calendula instead.

Size:

One to four feet

Exposure:

Full sun

Bloom Period:

Summer to fall

Description:

Strawflowers resemble daisies in form, but unlike daisies, the petals are stiff and papery. In fact, they aren’t true petals at all, but modified leaves called bracts, in hues ranging from warm yellow, orange, and creams to cool pink, white, and purple tones. Foliage is green and lance-shaped.

Planting:

When starting strawflowers from seed, time your seed starting about eight weeks prior to the last frost. Press seeds lightly into the soil, but don’t cover them, as light hastens germination. Harden your transplants and place them in the garden after night temperatures reach about 60 degrees F.

Sandy and rocky soils are preferred over rich and heavy soils, but any soil is fine as long as excellent drainage is present.

Varieties over three feet tall may need staking, but the newest cultivars are bred to be stocky and early blooming, and need no support.

Maintenance:

Although not heavy feeders, a monthly application of balanced flower fertilizer will keep your strawflowers blooming steadily. The drought tolerant flowers will still be shining brightly in the garden after a week of summer vacation, but don’t let them wither in an extended period of drought; a weekly drink will keep the flowers pert and fresh.

Harvest flowers for drying when partially opened, as they will continue to open after picking. Collect the flowers in the evening, when they are free of dew. Strawflower stems are hollow, and become brittle and shatter-prone after drying. The best way to use strawflowers in crafts is to remove the stems at harvest, and use wires in their place. Strawflowers also look attractive as potpourri additions.

Insect and Disease Problems:

Strawflowers are generally pest and disease-free, but aster yellows virus can affect the plants. This disease is most problematic in areas with leafhopper infestations, where the insect acts as a vector. Affected plants will exhibit yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Remove infected plants and treat for leafhoppers with carbaryl or permethin, if desired.

Design Tips:

• Include this cutting garden favorite with other easy to dry flowers in the landscape, like statice and globe amaranth, which share similar growing requirements.
• Combine with a tall ornamental grass and a low-growing sweet potato vine for a lush patio container.
• Strawflower is a valuable addition to naturalized meadow and wildflower areas. It attracts butterflies and bees, and also self-seeds freely for the following season.
• Plant strawflower in rural gardens, where the stiff bracts will deter most deer and rabbits.
• Add strawflowers to your mailbox garden. They thrive from the heat that radiates off concrete and asphalt.

Varieties:

• Bright Bikini series: Topping out at one foot tall, a good choice for containers or the front of the border
• Monstrosum series: Fully double flowers in orange, pink, red, and white are a crafter’s favorite
• Sundaze series: A Proven Winners introduction in yellow and orange hues, winning awards in Cornell University and Penn State plant trials