The strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum) is a popular garden annual prized for its unique, papery blooms. Often called “everlasting” due to their durable texture and vibrant colors, these flowers retain their structure long after harvesting. To maximize the abundance of blooms, gardeners use pinching—the intentional manipulation of early growth—to ensure a robust, flower-laden plant.
Understanding Why Strawflowers Need Pinching
The practice of pinching strawflowers counteracts a natural tendency called apical dominance. In many plant species, the main, central stem grows fastest and suppresses side shoots through the production of plant hormones called auxins. This chemical suppression, driven by the terminal bud, results in a tall, slender, and often leggy plant structure.
Interrupting this dominance is the goal of pinching. Removing the top growth point stops the flow of inhibitory auxins, signaling the dormant lateral (axillary) buds below to activate. These activated buds develop into side branches, changing the plant’s growth habit from vertical to dense and horizontal.
A successfully pinched strawflower develops a bushier, more compact form. Instead of producing a few large blooms on a single stalk, the plant redirects energy into multiple secondary stems. This structural change increases the quantity of flowering points across the plant, leading to a greater overall display of blooms, though they may be slightly smaller.
Timing and Technique for Pinching
The effectiveness of pinching depends on executing the action at the correct stage of development. The optimal time is when the young strawflower has established itself, reached four to six inches in height, and possesses three to four distinct sets of true leaves.
The technique involves removing the terminal growth point—the very tip of the main stem. Gardeners should identify a leaf node and make a clean cut or pinch just above that point. This ensures energy is immediately available to the dormant side buds located in the axils of the remaining leaves.
While the term suggests using fingertips, many prefer clean, sharp tools like small snips for a precise cut. If using tools, sterilize them with isopropyl alcohol to prevent the transmission of plant pathogens. A clean, quick removal minimizes plant stress and promotes rapid healing and subsequent branching.
This initial pruning permanently establishes the desired multi-branched structure for the entire growing season. The plant’s energy is then devoted to developing new lateral shoots that will bear the season’s flowers.
Promoting Continued Bloom After Pinching
After the initial pinch establishes a robust, multi-stemmed structure, ongoing maintenance supports the extended flowering period. The most direct way to encourage continued flowering is through deadheading, or the removal of spent blooms. When a bloom fades and dries out, it signals the plant to set seed.
To deadhead effectively, cut the dried flower head back to the next healthy set of leaves or a developing side bud. Removing the spent flower interrupts the seed-setting process, redirecting the plant’s energy toward vegetative growth and the initiation of new flower buds. Consistent deadheading sustains the bloom cycle throughout the summer and into the fall.
Due to the increased biomass and higher flower load, the mature strawflower requires adequate moisture and nutrients. Proper watering ensures the dense foliage remains hydrated. Light applications of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer support the heavy flowering, sustaining the plant’s health and maximizing its prolific potential.