Strawflowers for the Win

When I was still in horticulture school and we finished our spring plant sale, many flats of strawflowers (Xerochrysum bracteatum) were sadly left over. It's not surprising -- they weren't blooming yet, so unsuspecting customers usually passed up the four-packs of lance-shaped leaves for the early-blooming annuals that provided instant gratification. I admit I had never given them much thought until I brought some of that neglected merchandise home, potted them up, and watched them blossom. In the years since, strawflowers have become one of my favorite annuals, and I always make sure to plant a bunch in the garden each spring.

What's so great about them? They come in a variety of bright warm colors (and yes, so do lots of other flowers). But these annuals are robust and long-lasting. Its bracts are papery and petal-like, and they hold up throughout the season. The same flower will respond to the weather, closing during cool, damp night and opening again in the warm sunlight. The color persists for a long time as well.

It's December and I'm impressed with how much these flowers are holding on. The same plants are still forming new buds, and the spent flowers have reseeded all over the garden. I've practically got a ground cover of strawflower leaves in one of my beds, which is a good thing to keep in mind for future seed collecting. I also haven't noticed any major pest or disease problems with them, and so far the deer and rabbits haven't been interested.

Besides all that, they're wonderful in bouquets, and also as dried flowers. My wife and I grew and harvested strawflowers to throw at our wedding. Just an all-around great plant.

Springtime blooms. Pollinators approve. Dried strawflowers.  Flower people at our wedding. Most of those "weeds" that you see are self-sowing strawflowers. If only there was enough time in the fall to see them flower! This is what they look like in December. They obviously aren't opening much now that it's cold, rainy, and darker, but these plants continue to hang on. Still forming new buds!