The “pompom plant,” or Craspedia globosa, offers a unique aesthetic with its distinctive spherical blooms. These cheerful, globe-shaped flowers appear to float atop slender, upright stems, resembling small golf balls or drumsticks. Their whimsical appearance adds texture and vibrant color to gardens, making them a favored choice for their visual interest and ease of care.
Understanding Pompom Plants
The plant commonly known as the pompom plant is botanically identified as Craspedia globosa. It is also widely recognized by common names such as Billy Buttons, Drumstick Flowers, or Golden Drumsticks. This herbaceous perennial belongs to the Asteraceae family, which also includes daisies and sunflowers. Native to Australia and New Zealand, Craspedia globosa forms a tuft of narrowly linear, often silvery-green leaves at its base.
From this basal rosette, stiff, leafless stems emerge, reaching 24 to 36 inches tall. Each stem is crowned with a single, dense, spherical flowerhead, typically bright golden yellow and 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. These unique inflorescences are composed of numerous tiny, tightly packed florets, creating the characteristic “pompom” shape. Craspedia globosa is a perennial in USDA Zones 8-11 but is often grown as an annual in colder regions (Zones 3-7) where it may not survive freezing temperatures.
Cultivating Pompom Plants
Light Requirements
Pompom plants thrive in abundant sunlight, requiring at least six hours of direct sun daily for optimal growth and prolific flowering. A sheltered, south or west-facing location is ideal. While they prefer full sun, Craspedia globosa can tolerate partial shade, especially in climates with intense summer heat. Insufficient light hinders bloom production, resulting in fewer and smaller flowers.
Soil Preferences
Well-draining soil is important for pompom plants, as they are susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. They adapt to various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay, provided there is good drainage. An ideal soil is loose, gritty, and moderately fertile, with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, improves soil structure and drainage.
Watering Needs
Pompom plants have moderate watering requirements and exhibit some drought tolerance once established. Water them regularly, allowing the topsoil to dry out between waterings. Avoid overwatering, as consistently wet soil leads to root issues. During dry spells, consistent moisture supports robust growth and continuous flowering, but the plant performs well without excessive irrigation.
Temperature and Humidity
Craspedia globosa prefers moderate to warm temperatures and tolerates light frosts. It is hardy in USDA Zones 8-11 as a perennial, but grown as an annual in colder climates where temperatures drop below freezing. The plant also tolerates heat and humidity, making it suitable for various warm environments.
Fertilization
Pompom plants are not heavy feeders and do not require extensive fertilization. They perform well in soils with low to moderate fertility. If soil is poor, a light application of organic fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season encourages more robust flowering. Over-fertilization can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flower production.
Pruning for Shape
Pruning pompom plants encourages bushiness, promotes more blooms, and maintains a tidy appearance. Pinching back young plants stimulates branching from the base, leading to a denser plant with more stems and flowers. Removing spent flowerheads, known as deadheading, prevents seed production and directs energy towards new blooms. For cut flowers, harvesting stems when flowerheads are fully open also encourages further flushes of blooms.
Addressing Common Issues
Pompom plants are generally resilient and resistant to many common pests and diseases. However, they can encounter issues. Pests like aphids, spider mites, slugs, and snails may affect them. Regular foliage inspection helps identify infestations early, and organic solutions such as insecticidal soap or manual removal can manage these pests. Keeping the area clean also deters slugs and snails.
Craspedia globosa is largely disease-free, but it can be susceptible to fungal issues, especially in overly humid environments or poorly drained soil. Powdery mildew appears as white spots on foliage, while Botrytis Blight causes brown spots on stems and leaves. Fusarium Wilt is another fungal concern, causing yellowing and wilting of older leaves. Ensuring good air circulation, avoiding overhead watering, and providing well-draining soil are preventative measures.
Propagating Pompom Plants
Pompom plants are most commonly propagated from seed, a straightforward process. Seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost, or directly sown outdoors after frost danger has passed. Tiny seeds should be lightly pressed onto the surface of a well-draining seed-starting mix, as they require light for germination. Maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging and a temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C) encourages germination, which typically occurs within 1 to 3 weeks.
Once seedlings develop a few true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden after hardening off. While seed is the primary method, established Craspedia globosa plants can also be propagated through division. This involves carefully separating clumps, ensuring each new section has roots and foliage, and then replanting them.