Chrysocephalum spp.
yellow buttons
Overview
Chrysocephalum spp. is a genus of about eight perennial herbs and subshrubs in the daisy family, Asteraceae, native to Australia, where several are known as everlastings or yellow buttons. Plants range from low, spreading groundcovers to upright subshrubs 8-30 inches (20-75 cm) tall, with grey-green to silvery foliage covered in dense woolly hairs that reduce water loss. The narrow leaves clasp the stems, and from spring through autumn the stem tips carry dense clusters of small, rounded flowerheads in yellow to orange. As everlasting daisies, the papery flowerheads hold their color when dried. C. apiculatum, common everlasting, forms a low mat, while C. semipapposum, clustered everlasting, grows more upright with branched flower clusters. Plants occur across many Australian habitats, from coastal dunes to inland plains, and tolerate heat, drought, and poor soils once established. The genus spreads by rhizomes or self-seeding and supports native butterflies and other insects. One limitation is short individual plant life: clumps can become woody and open after a few years and are often replaced or cut back hard to renew them. Most grow in zones 8-11.
Native Range
Chrysocephalum spp. is native to Australia, where species grow across most states in habitats from coastal dunes and heath to open woodland and dry inland plains. The genus is widespread on poor, well-drained soils in sunny, exposed sites.Suggested Uses
Used in dry borders, gravel and rock gardens, coastal plantings, and containers in warm climates. The low species work as groundcover and edging, while taller forms suit meadow-style and native plantings. Drought and heat tolerance suit water-wise gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'6"
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering is long, running from spring through summer and into autumn, roughly September to May in Australia, with the heaviest display in spring and early summer. Plants bloom over many months where conditions stay warm and dry. The papery flowerheads persist on the plant and keep their color as they dry.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow to orangeFoliage Description
grey-green to silverGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Chrysocephalum spp. in full sun in light, freely draining soil; the genus tolerates sand, gravel, and poor ground. Established plants withstand heat and extended drought and need only occasional watering. Sharp drainage matters most, as wet, heavy soils rot the crown. Light trimming after the main flush keeps plants compact and extends bloom. The genus needs little or no feeding, and rich soil produces lax, floppy growth. Plants are frost-tender to half-hardy and are most reliable in warm, dry climates.Pruning
Trim or shear lightly after the main flowering flush to remove spent heads and keep plants dense. Older, woody clumps can be cut back hard in late winter to encourage fresh basal growth, or replaced when they open out. Removing spent flower clusters prolongs the display.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winterearly spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons