How to Grow Strawflower
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Strawflower
Chrysocephalum apiculatum
flowerChrysocephalum apiculatum, commonly known as Strawflower or Golden Buttons, is a compact Australian native perennial with bright golden-yellow button-like flowers. The plant features fine, feathery foliage and produces cheerful blooms that are excellent for dried flower arrangements. It's a hardy, low-maintenance plant that thrives in dry conditions and poor soils.
When should you plant Strawflower in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Strawflower timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Strawflower
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Strawflower blooms
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Strawflower dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual in cooler zones or in containers
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Get my Strawflower timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny seedlings with fine, needle-like cotyledons emerge. Foliage is delicate and pale green.
Provide bright light and minimal water. Keep soil barely moist. Do not overwater.
Early Growth
3-4 weeksSeedlings develop true leaves and form a small basal rosette. Plant remains compact and low-growing.
Reduce watering frequency. Ensure excellent drainage. Begin hardening off if grown indoors. Avoid fertilizer.
Vegetative
4-6 weeksPlant develops dense, feathery foliage in a mounding habit. Stems are thin and wiry.
Water sparingly; allow soil to dry between waterings. No fertilizer needed. Full sun is critical for compact growth.
Flowering
8-12 weeks or longerGolden-yellow button-like flower heads appear on stems above the foliage. Blooms continuously over weeks.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Water only during extended dry periods. No fertilizer.
Seed Production & Drying
OngoingFlowers dry naturally on the plant, turning papery and golden. Seed heads develop if not harvested.
Allow flowers to remain on plant for drying. Harvest when fully dry and crispy for arrangements.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with strong water jet or use insecticidal soap. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Increase humidity with water misting. Use horticultural oil or neem oil if severe.
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Yellow sticky traps. Insecticidal soap or neem oil for infestations.
Uses
Dried Flower Arrangements
CraftStrawflower blooms are ideal for dried arrangements, wreaths, and everlasting bouquets because they retain their bright color and papery texture indefinitely. They are a staple of commercial dried flower crafts. [source]
Edible Flowers
CulinaryThe flower petals are edible and can be used as garnish for salads and desserts, adding a slightly bitter, peppery note and golden color to dishes. [source]
Traditional Herbal Use
MedicinalIn traditional Australian Aboriginal medicine and some Asian herbal traditions, strawflower has been used to support respiratory health and inflammation management. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeGolden buttons attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, making it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens. [source]
Garden Ornament & Landscaping
HouseholdThe compact, mounding habit and cheerful golden color make strawflower an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, containers, and xeriscape designs. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers at peak bloom when petals are still crisp and golden. For drying, cut stems when flowers are fully open but before they begin to fade, or allow them to dry completely on the plant. Hang bundles upside-down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks. Dried strawflowers retain color and shape for months in arrangements.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Chrysocephalum apiculatum is native to southeastern Australia and has become a beloved ornamental worldwide, particularly valued by florists for its long-lasting dried flowers.
- 🌱 The name 'strawflower' refers to the straw-like texture of the dried petals, which are actually modified bracts (modified leaves) rather than true petals.
- 🌱 The plant's golden flowers were traditionally used by Australian Aboriginal peoples and have been cultivated for over 150 years in European and American gardens as a symbol of immortality due to their everlasting quality.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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