Helichrysum bracteatum
Images by part: leaf (5) · flower (5) · fruit (2) · bark (3) · habit (5) · other (3)

Helichrysum bracteatum

Strawflower · Bracted everlasting · Garden everlasting

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: full_sun Toxicity: low
Water every
3 days
Temperature
15–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 8–10
Click count
302
Observations
10

Description

Source: leafsnap

Helichrysum bracteatum, commonly known as the strawflower, is a flowering plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to Australia, it has gained worldwide popularity as a garden plant due to its attractive and enduring flowers. The strawflower can grow up to 60 cm tall and features narrow leaves covered in fine hairs. Its large, daisy-like blooms come in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, pink, red, and white, with papery petals that retain their color even after drying. This characteristic makes strawflowers ideal for dried flower arrangements and cut flower bouquets. The strawflower thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but can tolerate some shade if necessary. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is essential during its initial growth period. Overall, Helichrysum bracteatum is an easy-to-grow plant with stunning blooms, making it a wonderful addition to any garden or floral arrangement project!

🎭 Memory that never ceases.

Care Guide

💧 Water Every 3 days
Suggested frequency: Every 3 days
☀️ Light Full sun

Strawflower prefers places where it receives plentiful sunlight throughout the day. It can also tolerate areas with only partial sun. In its native habitat it flourished under those conditions, ensuring vigorous growth. Steady, moderate light nourishes it, since either too much or too little can harm its health.

Ideal: Full sun
🌡️ Temperature 15–35°C

Strawflower is native to areas where temperatures fall between 68 to 95 °F (20 to 35 ℃). It thrives in full sun and favors warmth. Seasonal adjustments may include providing shade during extremely hot summers or insulation in chilly winters.

Ideal temperature: 15–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer

Once most of the Strawflower’s blooms have opened to full size, resume fertilizing. When the flowers are at peak production, fertilize once every three to four weeks, as the weather allows. Then, when the Strawflower begins producing fewer new blooms, discontinue fertilizing; there’s no need to feed the plant when it can no longer produce additional blooms.

🪴 Pot & Repot

When repotting Strawflower, choose a pot that's 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger in diameter and that has good drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix, and consider adding perlite for extra drainage. Repot in spring or early summer, water thoroughly afterward, and place it in a shady spot at first.

✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

Characteristics

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Genus
Helichrysum
Family
Compositae
Hardiness Zone
8-10
Mature Height
20 cm to 76 cm
Mature Spread
15 cm to 61 cm
Leaf Color
Green, Silver
Leaf Type
Deciduous
Flower Color
Yellow, Gold, White, Pink, Red
Flower Size
3.05 cm to 6.35 cm
Bloom Time
Late spring, Summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer
Harvest Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall

Tags (8)

Common Names (3)

en Strawflower
en Bracted everlasting
en Garden everlasting