Scientific Name:
Xerochrysum bracteatum
Pronunciation:
zer-oh-KRIS-um brack-tee-AY-tum
Common Name:
strawflower
Family Name:
Asteraceae
Plant Type:
Annual
Key ID Features:
Leaves alternate, linear-elliptic, up to 6cm long x 1cm wide; flower stiff so that seems dried already (crispy, straw-like).
Habit:
Stiffly upright
Form:
Oval - vertical
Texture:
Medium
Mature Height:
0.2 - 0.4m
Mature Spread:
0.3 - 0.6m
Growth Rate:
Fast
Origin:
Australia / New Zealand
Hardiness Rating:
Zone 9: (-7 to -1 °C)
Exposure:
Full sun, Part sun/part shade
Soil/Growing Medium:
Rocky or gravelly or dry, Well-drained
Landscape Uses:
Bedding plant, Container planting, Cut flower or foliage, Dried flower or fruit, Filler, Hanging basket, Perennial border
Additional Info:
Leaf Morphology:
Form:
Simple
Arrangement:
Alternate, Basal
Texture/Venation:
Pinnate venation
Surfaces:
Pubescent
Colour in Fall:
Green
Shapes:
Elliptic, Linear
Apices:
Acute
Bases:
Attenuate
Margins:
Entire
Inflorescence Type:
Head (capitulum)
Flower Morphology:
Flowers perfect
Corolla Shape:
Ligulate
Ovary Position:
Inferior
Colour (petals):
Showy, White, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Magenta, Red
Flower Scent:
None
Flower Time at Peak:
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Additional Info:
Involucral bracts
Fruit Type:
Achene
Fruit Colour:
Brown
Fruiting Time:
Sep, Oct
Additional Info:
Fruit insignificant,
Bark or Stem Colour:
Propagation:
Seed
Maintenance:
Medium
Other:
This plant may need staking. Source of habit image: www.bestgarden.net/.../ Bracteantha_bracteata.htm
Pest Susceptibility:
Mildew (Pest resistant)
