Helichrysum bracteatum

Helichrysum bracteatum is the strawflower — a bushy annual whose papery, daisy-like bracts in red, orange, gold, pink and white feel dry on the plant, the definitive everlasting for drying.
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Helichrysum bracteatum — strawflower

Helichrysum bracteatum is the botanical name for the strawflower, the best-loved of all everlasting flowers. It is the species behind our helichrysum and strawflower range within the flower seed collection.

History & origin

The strawflower is native to Australia, where it grows wild across open country. Its remarkable papery flowers, dry to the touch even when fresh, made it a sensation when introduced to European gardens as the ultimate flower for drying.

The names describe its nature: Helichrysum comes from the Greek helios (sun) and chrysos (gold), for the golden, sun-like blooms; bracteatum means “with bracts,” for the stiff, petal-like bracts that form the everlasting flower.

Botanical characteristics

A bushy annual, Helichrysum bracteatum carries double, daisy-like flowerheads whose “petals” are actually papery bracts in glowing red, orange, gold, pink and white, feeling crisp and dry on the plant. That unique texture makes it the definitive dried flower, and it is a long-lasting fresh cut flower too.

Growing Helichrysum bracteatum from seed

Sow under cover in spring, barely covering the seed, and keep it warm to germinate. Plant out after the last frost into full sun and free-draining soil, where these tough, heat-loving plants flower for months. For drying, cut the blooms just as they begin to open and hang them upside down. Our flower growing guide and flower sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow strawflowers? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Strawflower · Helichrysum · Dried Flowers · Cut Flowers · All Flower Seeds

At SeedsChoice, every order ships from Meppel, NL with fast, tracked EU delivery.

What is Helichrysum bracteatum?
It is the strawflower, the best-known everlasting flower, whose stiff, papery bracts feel dry even on the growing plant. Why does the strawflower feel papery?
Its “petals” are actually stiff bracts rather than soft petals, which is what lets it dry so perfectly. When should I sow Helichrysum bracteatum seeds?
Sow under cover in spring and plant out after the last frost. See our flower sowing calendar for timing. How do I dry strawflowers?
Cut the blooms just as they begin to open and hang them upside down in a dry, airy spot.