A cheerful Australian daisy with crisp papery petals in gold, orange, pink and white that hold their colour when dried. A favourite for cottage borders, containers and cut or everlasting flowers.
At a glance
- Plant type: Annual
- Mature size: 80 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Strawflower
Botanically, Xerochrysum bracteatum is an fast-growing annual in the Asteraceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 80 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Yellow, orange and pink flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Strawflower
Strawflower suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Strawflower does best in free-draining, loamy and sandy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Strawflower is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Strawflower after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Strawflower in the garden
Strawflower earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, pots and courtyard containers, feeding bees and pollinators, attracting butterflies and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Strawflower with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Strawflower
Plant Sale lists Strawflower as seed and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Strawflower seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.