Strawflowers: The Easy-to-Grow, Everlasting Flower for Every Garden
If you're searching for a vibrant, long-lasting bloom that thrives in the sun and looks just as stunning dried as it does fresh, strawflowers (also known as paper daisies) are the perfect pick. With their bright yellow and orange hues and papery petals, strawflowers are a favorite among gardeners and florists alike. These everlasting flowers are not only beautiful—they’re also incredibly easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
Why Plant Strawflowers?
Strawflowers belong to the Xerochrysum bracteatum species and are native to Australia, where they’re known for their drought resistance and toughness. The plant grows upright with stiff stems and can reach up to 3 feet tall, producing dozens of vibrant blooms throughout the summer.
Here’s why gardeners love growing strawflowers:
-
Easy to grow from seed or transplant
-
Blooms continuously from summer through fall
-
Excellent for cut flowers and dried arrangements
-
Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
-
Drought-tolerant once established
How to Plant Strawflowers
To get started, you can plant strawflowers directly in the garden after your last frost, or start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks beforehand. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil—this is key, as soggy roots can lead to rot.
Steps to plant strawflowers:
-
Prepare the soil: Make sure it’s loose and well-draining. Strawflowers do not tolerate wet feet.
-
Sow seeds: Surface sow them—don’t cover them with soil, as they need light to germinate.
-
Water lightly: Keep the soil moist but not soggy during germination (about 7-14 days).
-
Thin seedlings: Space them about 10–12 inches apart once they have a few true leaves.
Caring for Strawflowers
Once established, caring for strawflowers is simple. They prefer full sun and minimal water once their roots are strong. Water deeply but infrequently, and deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowers.
Watch out for downy mildew, especially if you’re in a humid climate. To prevent fungal issues, space plants well for good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove any infected leaves promptly.
Quick care tips:
-
Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
-
Drained soil—amend heavy clay if necessary
-
Water only when soil is dry a few inches down
-
Deadhead regularly for extended bloom
Harvesting Strawflowers for Cut and Dried Arrangements
One of the best features of strawflowers is that they retain their shape and color even after drying—hence their nickname, everlasting flowers. For the longest-lasting blooms:
-
Cut them just before the flowers are fully open
-
Remove foliage and hang stems upside down in a dark, dry place
-
Use in cut flower bouquets or dried wreaths and crafts
Their yellow and orange varieties are especially eye-catching in both fresh and dried displays, and their natural texture adds a rustic, charming touch.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking to add a reliable, eye-catching flower to your garden that performs well in heat, resists drought, and shines long after the season is over, strawflowers are the way to go. Whether you want to plant strawflowers for vibrant color, attract pollinators, or craft with everlasting flowers, you’ll find they deliver beauty with surprisingly little effort.
Plant strawflowers this season and discover why gardeners everywhere are falling in love with the humble yet hard-working paper daisy.
