A perennial everlasting daisy bearing masses of papery golden-yellow flowers over grey-green foliage through the warmer months. A long-flowering bee-friendly cut flower and border plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 60 cm H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Golden Everlasting
Botanically, Xerochrysum bracteatum 'Cockatoo' is a fast-growing perennial in the Asteraceae family, native to New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. It reaches around 60 cm tall and 50 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Yellow flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Golden Everlasting
Golden Everlasting suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate, Mediterranean and subtropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Golden Everlasting does best in free-draining and sandy soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Golden Everlasting performs well with relatively little water once established. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Golden Everlasting after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Once established, it is low maintenance.
Using Golden Everlasting in the garden
Golden Everlasting earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, pots and courtyard containers and feeding bees and pollinators. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For easier irrigation and care, group Golden Everlasting with species that also favour low water use and warm-temperate climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Golden Everlasting
Plant Sale lists Golden Everlasting as tube stock, potted plants, advanced specimens and seed. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Golden Everlasting seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
