Add color to your gardenand your dried floral arrangementswith the “everlasting” blooms of the Strawflower.
Peter Krumhardt
Coming in a wide variety of glistening colors, strawflower is known for its everlasting blossoms.
The colorful petals of this plant aren’t even petals at all, but modified leaves called bracts.
Credit:Peter Krumhardt
The flowers stand above narrow, green leaves that are often covered in dense hairs.
Strawflowers also need little water, which makes them an excellent candidate forxeriscaping.
After that, the flowers make great additions to dried floral arrangements, potpourri, andcraft projects.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
A sandy soil with a neutral pH of 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal.
Only water your strawflowers when the soil feels dry.
Cooler weather and high humidity can lead to fungal infections.
Container-grown strawflowers will appreciate even more frequent fertilization to help encourage continuous blooms.
Dwarf varietieslike the Cottage pink, white, or orange strawflowerswork best for containers.
Strawflowers are also susceptible to downy mildew if not planted with adequate air circulation.
Credit: Tom McWilliam
Start the seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
Press them gently into moist soil, but do not cover them.
They will need light and soil temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
‘Dreamtime’ Pink Strawflowers
The ‘Dreamtime’ pink strawflowers bloom from mid-spring through late fall.
It features dark green mounded foliage and daisy-like blooms with golden centers.
Plus, it provides some of the truest blues you might find in flowers, a rare thing.
Credit: Nancy Rotenberg
Plant in spring after all danger of frost has passed.
Plant in groups of a dozen or more for best show.
Deadhead and fertilize regularly for best blooms.
Like the morning glory that grows upward, this more earthbound beauty produces striking blue flowers all season long.
And like its cousin, the flowers tend to close in the afternoon hours.
Its spreading habit is perfect for spilling over baskets, window boxes, and other containers.
Plant established plants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.
Evolvulus likes rich, well-drained soil and needs just average water.
It’s somewhat drought-tolerant, so don’t overwater.
Nigella
With its intricate flowers and fine-textured foliage,nigella stands out in the garden.
This delightful little annual blooms throughout the summer, and the seedpods are often used in dried-flower crafts.
Nigella does best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Strawflowers are not considered invasive in most regions.
Strawflowers are deer resistant, likely because the blooms are too dry to be palatable.
If you plan on leaving the flowers on their stems, carefully remove all the leaves before drying them.
Strawflowers close their bracts when it rains and when they are watered.
Once the plant has dried out in the sun, the bracts will open again.
