Paper Daisy Xerochrysum bracteatum

Strawflower can be grown as a short-lived tender perennial or as an annual.  It is easily grown in average to dry soils.  It has moderate drought tolerance.  Enjoy blooms from late spring until frost.  The daisy appearing flowers have a yellow central disk that is surrounded by glossy bracts in a variety of colors.  Having petals similar to stiff paper, they unfold to form rings in bright colors.  The common name strawflower, comes from the straw-like texture of these bracts.  The flowers retain their shape and color when dried and are grown for the dried flower market.  Cut fresh flowers also last a long time.  Although some cultivars reach up to 5 feet tall, most are 2-3 feet tall with some 12" dwarf varieties available.   Dwarf varieties do well in rock gardens, containers, or window boxes while taller plants are great for boarders.  

In its native to Australia, growing freely in open grassland.  Its scientific name comes from the Greek xeros, meaning dry and chrysos or golden.  Bracteatum comes from the Latin bracteatus which means bearing bracts.

A low maintenance plant, however, you may want to deadhead regularly to encourage side shoots, resulting in more blooms.  It can be cut back after flowering is competed.  A annual light pruning will encourage branching, which will result in a larger amount of blooms.  

Formally in the genus Helichrysum.  This plant is in the Asteraceae family.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: May be susceptible to downy mildew.  There are no known insect problems.

Taller plants may need some staking to remain upright.  Plants may self-seed, however many cultivars will not grow true from seed.