Xerochrysum bracteatum (Golden Everlasting)

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Xerochrysum, Genus, bracteatum, Species,

Genus & species

golden everlasting

Asteraceae Australia

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Xerochrysum bracteatum is an annual to short-lived perennial herb growing 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall, with erect, branching stems and a clumping base. The leaves are lance-shaped to oblong, 1.5-5 inches (4-13 cm) long, green to grey-green, and slightly rough or sticky to the touch. The flower heads are 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) across and surrounded by many stiff, papery bracts that look and feel like straw; in the wild form these are golden yellow, while garden strains range through white, orange, pink, and red. The papery bracts open and close with humidity and hold their color long after cutting, the basis for the common name everlasting. A central disc of small yellow florets sits within the bracts. Flowering runs from late spring through autumn. The plant grows fast from seed, often flowering in its first year, and is shorter-lived in humid climates than in dry ones.

Native Range

Native to Australia, occurring across all mainland states in a wide range of habitats, from coastal dunes and heath to woodland, grassland, and rocky hills. Grows in many soils in open, sunny positions with good drainage.

Suggested Uses

Grown in sunny borders, cottage gardens, containers, and wildflower plantings, spaced 12-16 inches (30-40 cm) apart. The papery flowers are widely used fresh and dried for cut-flower and craft work. Open, sunny positions with sharp drainage suit it more than damp, shaded beds.

How to Identify

Recognized by daisy-like flower heads 1-2.5 inches (2.5-6 cm) across ringed by stiff, papery, straw-textured bracts, golden yellow in the wild form, above lance-shaped green to grey-green leaves. The dry papery bracts that hold their shape and color when cut separate it from soft-petalled daisies. Stems and leaves are slightly rough or sticky.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 3'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Colors

Flower Colors

red

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~16 weeks

Flowers: November–May

Spring Summer Fall

Flowers from November to May, mainly through summer and autumn. Individual heads last several weeks on the plant, and a clump opens a succession of flowers over the season. Removing spent heads and keeping soil moisture steady extend the flowering period.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

green to grey-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5 (Acidic to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

sand loam

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grows in full sun on light, well-drained soils and tolerates heat, wind, and dry conditions once established. Wet, heavy soils and humid summers shorten the plant's life and encourage root and stem rot. Plants flower in their first year from seed and may be grown as annuals or short-lived perennials. Deadheading spent flowers extends bloom and reduces self-seeding. Aphids and powdery mildew appear in crowded, humid conditions. In cold areas plants are treated as warm-season annuals.

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower heads through the season to prolong bloom and limit self-seeding. Cut plants back by about one-third after the main flush to encourage fresh growth and more flowers. Remove frost-killed stems in cold climates where the plant is grown as an annual.