The straw flower, known botanically as Xerochrysum bracteatum, is a popular annual plant cherished for its vibrant, long-lasting color and distinct texture. This cheerful, daisy-like bloom originates from Australia and is widely cultivated globally as a garden annual due to its quick growth cycle. Its unique physical qualities make it a standout choice for both fresh floral displays and decorative arrangements. The plant provides a continuous display of color from late spring until the first heavy frost of autumn.
Defining the Straw Flower
The scientific name for the straw flower is Xerochrysum bracteatum, although it was historically classified for many years under the genus Helichrysum. It belongs to the Asteraceae family, which is the same family as daisies and sunflowers. The plant typically grows between one and five feet tall, though many popular cultivars are bred to stay between two and three feet. Its leaves are generally lance-shaped and can be green or a grayish-green hue.
The most distinctive characteristic of the straw flower is the texture of its “petals,” which are actually modified leaves called bracts. These bracts have a dry, stiff, and papery feel, similar to parchment or straw, which is how the plant earned its common name. The blooms feature a central yellow disk floret surrounded by these glossy, rigid bracts, which come in a wide spectrum of colors including yellow, orange, red, pink, white, and purple. This unique, low-moisture structure allows the flowers to retain their shape and brilliant color even after being harvested and dried.
Cultivating and Growing Straw Flowers
For gardeners in climates with shorter growing seasons, starting straw flower seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last expected frost is a common practice. The seeds are very small and should be pressed lightly onto the surface of the soil rather than buried, as they require light to germinate. Seedlings usually emerge within seven to ten days and should be given a strong light source for about sixteen hours a day to prevent them from becoming leggy.
Once the danger of frost has completely passed and nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50°F, the young plants can be transplanted into the garden. Straw flowers thrive in a location that receives full, direct sunlight throughout the day to ensure strong stems and abundant flowering.
While they can tolerate average to poor soil, the ground must be well-drained to prevent the roots from sitting in excessive moisture. After the plants are established, they demonstrate considerable drought tolerance and generally do not require heavy watering. A deep watering once or twice a week during prolonged dry periods is typically sufficient to keep them healthy and productive.
To encourage the plant to produce a continuous supply of new blooms until the season’s end, it is beneficial to remove the spent or faded flower heads, a process known as deadheading. Taller varieties may require some support to keep their stems from bending or breaking, particularly in windy locations.
Primary Uses for the Blooms
The straw flower’s composition makes it an excellent choice for use as a fresh cut flower, as its blooms can last for several days in a vase. Their primary appeal, however, comes from their ability to be preserved as “everlasting” or dried flowers, which can maintain their color for years. The best time to harvest the blooms for drying is when they are just beginning to open, specifically when only two or three layers of the papery bracts have unfolded from the center. Harvesting them at this stage ensures the flowers will finish opening as they dry, resulting in a perfectly preserved bloom.
To dry the harvested flowers, the stems should be stripped of all leaves and bundled loosely with a rubber band or string. These bundles are then hung upside down in a location that is dark, warm, and has good air circulation, which prevents fading and mold growth. The drying process can take a few weeks until the stems and flowers are completely moisture-free and rigid. Once fully dried, the preserved straw flowers are widely used in crafts like wreaths, potpourri, and decorative arrangements due to their vibrant, permanent color and unique texture.