Botanical Name: Helichrysum; Helipterum
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Common Name: Strawflower  
Plant photo of: Helichrysum; Helipterum
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Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.

  • Anatomy

  • Culture

  • Design

Plant Type

Annual

 

Height Range

1-3'

 

Flower Color

Orange, Pink, Red, Yellow, White, Multi-Colored

 

Flower Season

Summer

 

Leaf Color

Green

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Low, Medium

 

Growth Rate

Fast

 

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky

 

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry

 

Soil pH

Neutral, Basic

 

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

English Cottage

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers

 

Seasonal Interest

Summer

 

Location Uses

Perennial Border, Raised Planter

 

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Information by: Stephanie Duer
Photographer:

  • Description

  • Notes

These may be the quintessential dried flower used for crafting, wreaths, and decorating. Technically, the flowers are little, pale things in the center of the "flower;" the colorful petals are actually bracts that are stiff and provide the dependable persistence so valued when cut and dried. Color range is large, with yellows, pinks, reds, and orange in bright or pastel hues. Size also varies, from 12 to about 36 inches tall.
Strawflowers thrive in hot, sunny sites with moderate to low water. Set out plants after frost or sow seeds when it starts to warm up (mid to late May). To dry, pick flowers that are fully open, and hang upside down in a shady spot.