Giant Red Strawflower

Big, bold, showy & heat & drought tolerant – this is the TALL species! To 4’ tall & 3’ across, it certainly creates a dramatic focal point with substantial 2” brassy red blooms held atop strong multi-branching bright green stems. Beginning in mid-Summer, the blooms last for months in the garden & then, like, forever in dried arrangements. With average-rich, well-drained soil or in a large container you can plant this flashy character in that hottest spot next to the driveway! Self sows!

First planted: December 2016
First bloom: Feb 1 2016
Retail Nursery: Yamagami
Garden Nursery: Annie’s Annuals

Natives of Australia, Strawflowers have big blooms that come in yellow, orange, red, rose, white, and pink. They look good in the flower bed, in vases, corsages, bouquets, and more. Once they begin to bloom, they will reward you with bursts of color right up to frost.

Strawflowers, or Helichrysum, are “everlasting” flowers, as they can be dried and will last a long time. They make excellent winter bouquets and are popular with crafters.

Plant Height: 2′ – 3′

Plant Propagation:

Strawflower are grown from seed. Strawflower seeds can be directly seeded into your flower garden or started indoors for transplanting later. If planting outdoors, sow them just a few days before the last frost date for your area.

Sow Strawflower seeds, covering them lightly with soil. Space seeds or seedlings 18″ apart to give these big plants ample room to grow.

Days to Germination: 7 – 10

How to Grow Strawflower Plants:

Strawflower plants are easy to grow. They prefer full sun to partial shade. They 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 your Strawflower are established, they will grow well. They will bloom from mid-summer right up to frost. They may survive light frosts.

Flowers Bloom: Summer

Insect and Disease:

Strawflower are fairly resistant to insects and disease. If insect or disease problems occur, treat early with organic or chemical insect repellents and fungicide.

Drying:
Cut Strawflowers just before full bloom. Hang upside down to dry in a dry, well ventilated area.
Helichrysum bracteatum
Sun

Avg.-Low Water
Perennial
USDA Zones 9-10,
Annual elsewhere

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