Overview
Rhodanthe chlorocephala is an upright annual daisy 12–24 inches (30–60 cm) tall and 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) wide, with slender, sparsely branched stems. Leaves are alternate, narrow-lanceolate to linear, 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) long, grey-green, and slightly hairy. Flower heads are 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) across, with papery, pointed bracts in pink or white surrounding a yellow center, and they remain open in sun and close in cloud and at night. Bracts stay papery when cut and dried, and the species is grown as an everlasting. Growth is fast, with flowering 90–120 days from sowing. Plants are short-lived, decline in humid summers, and rot in heavy, wet soil.
Native Range
Native to Western Australia, where subsp. rosea grows on sandy and clay soils in the wheatbelt and Mid West regions.Suggested Uses
Used as an everlasting cut and dried flower, and in annual borders, rock gardens, and containers, spaced 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) apart. Sown in mass plantings in gravel and meadow-style gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Colors
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink or white with yellow centerFoliage Description
Grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun (6–10 hours) and light, sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–8.0. Seed is sown directly, 0.1 inch (3 mm) deep, in autumn in mild-winter climates or after the last frost in spring elsewhere, and seedlings are thinned to 8 inches (20 cm) apart. Plants need about 0.5–1 inch (1.3–2.5 cm) of water per week until established, then tolerate short dry periods. Rich soil and frequent fertilizer produce soft, floppy stems. Heads for drying are cut when half-open.Pruning
Pruning is not required. Stems are cut for drying when heads are half-open, and cutting encourages further flower production. Spent plants are pulled out at the end of the season.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons
Toxicity: Not assessed
UnknownPlanting Guide
Planting Methods & Timing
Planting Method
direct sow
Direct Sow Timing
Autumn in mild-winter climates; after the last spring frost elsewhere
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Plant Spacing
8 inches
