How to Grow Strawflower
Wikimedia Commons
Strawflower
Xerochrysum bracteatum
flowerStrawflowers are annual ornamental flowers prized for their papery, everlasting blooms in vibrant colors including red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. Native to Australia, they produce long stems of daisy-like flowers that retain their form and color when dried. These heat and drought-tolerant plants are perfect for fresh and dried flower arrangements.
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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 2-11 as annuals; extremely heat and drought tolerant
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Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny plants with 2-4 true leaves appear 7-14 days after sowing
Keep soil lightly moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to appropriate spacing early.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlants develop branching stems and increasingly more foliage; height increases to 12-24 inches depending on variety
Allow soil to dry between waterings. Pinch growing tips when plants are 4-6 inches tall to promote bushier growth. Reduce watering frequency.
Budding
2-3 weeksFlower buds appear at branch tips, initially green with papery sepals visible
Maintain consistent but light watering. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Ensure full sun exposure for optimal bloom production.
Flowering
6-10 weeksBright, papery flowers open in shades of red, pink, yellow, orange, white, and bi-colors. Blooms retain their form and can be dried.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms. Pinch off flower centers if harvesting for dried arrangements. Continue minimal watering.
Harvest & Drying
Ongoing through frostFlowers fully mature and maintain color; perfect for cutting and drying for arrangements
Cut stems in early morning when blooms are fully open. Hang upside down in a warm, dry, dark location for 1-2 weeks. Cut regularly to extend blooming season.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity with misting; use insecticidal soap or neem oil; ensure adequate air circulation
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; reflective mulches deter adults
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply sulfur dust or fungicidal spray if severe
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Spray with strong water stream; use insecticidal soap; introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs
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Improve drainage; reduce watering; remove affected portions; ensure good air circulation
Uses
Dried flower arrangements and wreaths
CraftStrawflowers are among the best everlasting flowers for dried arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. Their papery petals retain vibrant color and form for months or years when properly dried. [source]
Edible flowers for garnish
CulinaryStrawflower petals are edible and can be used to garnish cakes, salads, and beverages, adding color and a subtle floral flavor. [source]
Fresh cut flowers
HouseholdLong-stemmed strawflowers make excellent fresh bouquets and arrangements, lasting 1-2 weeks in a vase with proper care. [source]
Pollinator and beneficial insect attraction
WildlifeStrawflowers attract butterflies, bees, and other pollinators, making them valuable additions to pollinator gardens and meadow plantings. [source]
Natural dyes and potpourri
HouseholdDried strawflowers can be used in potpourri blends for natural fragrance and visual appeal, and historically have been used in natural dyeing projects. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers in early morning when fully open but before noon heat. Cut long stems (12+ inches) just above a leaf node. For maximum drying potential, harvest when blooms are completely open but before petals begin to fade. Hang bundles upside down in a warm (70-75°F), dry, dark location with good air circulation for 1-2 weeks. Continue cutting to extend blooming season and prevent seed formation. Dried flowers can last 1+ year in proper storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Strawflowers are native to Australia and were used by Aboriginal peoples for various purposes before becoming popular ornamental flowers worldwide.
- 🌱 The papery texture of strawflower petals is actually composed of modified bracts (modified leaves) rather than true petals, which is why they preserve so well when dried.
- 🌱 Strawflowers can be air-dried in just 1-2 weeks and will maintain their vibrant colors for over a year, making them one of the most durable everlasting flowers available.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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