Xerochrysum bracteatum (Golden Everlasting)

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Xerochrysum spp.

strawflowers

Asteraceae Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Xerochrysum spp. is a genus of about 8 species of annual and perennial herbs in the daisy family, endemic to Australia. X. bracteatum, the strawflower or golden everlasting, is grown worldwide as a garden and cut flower. Plants form upright, branching stems 30-120 cm (12-47 in) tall, with lance-shaped, often greyish or slightly sticky leaves. The flower heads are surrounded by many stiff, papery bracts that radiate like petals, in yellow, gold, orange, pink, red, or white, around a central cluster of tiny disc florets. The papery bracts hold their colour and shape long after cutting, which gives the common names everlasting and strawflower. Species grow in open woodland, grassland, and rocky or sandy ground across much of Australia. Plants need full sun and free-draining soil and are short-lived, with many garden forms grown as annuals. Wet, humid conditions cause stem rot and shorten their life.

Native Range

Xerochrysum spp. is endemic to Australia, occurring across all mainland states and Tasmania. Species grow in open eucalypt woodland, grassland, heath, and on rocky or sandy soils, from the coast to subalpine areas.

Suggested Uses

Xerochrysum spp. is planted in sunny borders, cottage gardens, containers, and wildflower plantings, and is grown commercially for fresh and dried cut flowers. The papery heads are cut for everlasting arrangements. The flowers draw bees, butterflies, and hoverflies through summer.

How to Identify

Identify Xerochrysum spp. by its daisy-like heads ringed with many stiff, dry, papery bracts that crackle to the touch, in bright yellow to red or white. The central disc holds numerous small florets. The papery, everlasting bracts and the lance-shaped, often grey-green leaves separate it from soft-petalled daisies.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'11"

Width/Spread1' - 2'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Spring Summer Fall

Flowering runs from late spring through summer and into autumn, roughly November-April in Australia and summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Individual heads last for weeks, and plants bloom over a long season if spent heads are removed. Cut stems dry while keeping their colour.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

yellow to red

Foliage Description

grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Xerochrysum spp. grows in full sun in light, free-draining sandy or loamy soil of low to moderate fertility, tolerating a pH of about 5.5-7.5. Plants need moderate water while growing but resent wet, humid conditions, which cause rot and mildew. Annual forms are raised from seed sown in spring, while perennial species are short-lived and renewed from cuttings or division. Deadheading extends bloom and tidies the plant. Steady air movement reduces disease in humid climates.

Pruning

Removing spent flower heads through the season prolongs blooming and keeps plants neat. Perennial species are cut back lightly after the main flush to encourage fresh growth. Old stems are trimmed in late winter.