Helichrysum (Helichrysum Bracteatum Rose) - Easy and fast growing from Helichrysum seed, Strawflower, is a hardy perennial native to Australia. In most areas of the United States, however, it is grown as a summer annual. The 36 - 40 inch tall plants have 5 inch long lance-shaped leaves and double blooms often over 2 1/2 inches across. Flowers of this species are great as cut flowers and when they are dried, the papery flowers will last indefinitely. The plants are easy to grow from flower seed and make excellent drought tolerant container plants. This flower has several common names: Strawflower, Paper Daisy, and Everlasting Daisy. Many gardeners grow Helichrysum Paper Daisy for the purpose of drying the everlasting blooms for dried arrangements, wreaths and crafts.

Helichrysum Everlasting flowers do best in full sun with a well-drained soil mix. In the greenhouse, you can use a soil mix consisting of 1 part peat moss to 2 parts loam and sand. Strawflower plants need to be well watered and allowed to dry before watering again. During the spring and summer months, fertilize the plants monthly with a balanced fertilizer diluted to 1/2 the strength recommended on the label. Even though this rose Paper Daisy plant is considered to be an annual, when growing in the landscape, it tends to re-seed by dropping its own flower seed on the ground. With the right conditions the Helichrysum flower seeds will germinate the following spring and new flowers will appear.

For earlier blooms, sow Strawflower seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before planting time. Helichrysum seeds can be directly sown outdoors once frost season has passed and temperatures are consistently warm.

Helichrysum (Helichrysum Bracteatum Yellow) - Popular for fresh bouquets and dried floral arrangements, Strawflower is an excellent addition to containers or sunny borders. It establishes readily from Helichrysum seeds, and from late spring to fall, Strawflower produces many double blooms in a broad range of colors. Strawflower thrives in areas with long, hot summers as they are quite drought tolerant. Helichrysum flowers dry easily and retain their color for months or even years so they are called "everlastings." The daisy-like Strawflower, with its papery blooms, originated in Australia, where several of its relatives grow in the wild. Other names for Strawflower are Everlasting Daisy and Helichrysum Paper Daisy.

Many people like to get a jump start and will plant their Helichrysum seeds indoors, barely covering the seeds (light is needed for germination), 6 - 8 weeks before last frost. Choose a sunny, well-drained site, and set out young plants. You may also directly sow Strawflower seeds after danger of frost has passed, thinning seedlings to 18 inches apart. Pinch young plants to encourage branching. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage flowering. Remove Helichrysum plants after frost.

Helichrysum (Helichrysum Bracteatum Scarlet) - Start scarlet Strawflower seed and produce these beautiful 2 inch wide daisy-like blooms. They also come in shades of bronze, cream, pink, purple, white and yellow. The flowers bloom on top of stems that reach 36 to 40 inches in height. For a beautiful scene in the flower garden, use the thin, grayish-green-colored lance-shaped leaves of the Strawflowers to provide a contrasting frame for low-growing flowering annuals. Strawflower plants and drought tolerant blooming from summer until late fall. Frost and overly dry soils typically kill Helichrysum plants; however, they will drop their flower seed and sprout again the following spring.

Helichrysum look good in the flower bed, in vases, corsages, bouquets, and more. Once they begin to bloom in summer, they will reward you with bursts of color right up to frost. Flowers are often dried and are considered "everlasting." Other common names for Strawflower are Helichrysum Paper Daisy and Everlasting Daisy Helichrysum.

Sow Helichrysum seeds in spring after frost season has ended directly outdoors into prepared soil. For earlier blooms, sow Strawflower seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before planting time. Transplant young plants into the flower garden, pinching back to encourage compact growth. Deadhead spent blooms to encourage flowering. Remove plants after frost.

Helichrysum (Helichrysum Bracteatum White) - Strawflower plants are easy to establish from flower seed, and they are a valuable addition to the flower garden, giving a wonderful show of color. They prefer full sun to partial shade (especially in warmer climates). Strawflower will do well in poor to average soils, and tolerate heat and drought conditions. Water them during dry periods, once or twice per week. Add a general purpose fertilizer once or twice a season for maximum plant growth, and to promote big blooms. Once the plants are established, Helichrysum Bracteatum care includes deadheading to keep the blooms looking their best. They will bloom from late spring right up to frost.

Helichrysum flowers are well-known for their use as an excellent dried flower for floral arrangements. To dry Helichrysum, cut them just before they are in full bloom. Hang upside down to dry in a dry, well ventilated area.

For earlier blooms, sow Helichrysum seeds indoors 6 - 8 weeks before planting time. Strawflower seeds can also be directly sown outdoors once frost season has passed and temperatures are consistently warm. Plants are heat and drought tolerant once established.