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 a 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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Strawflower 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 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
Combine Strawflower with plants that share its preference for happy on low water and warm-temperate climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed. 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. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Strawflower seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.
