Strawflowers in Parney Heath

Xerochrysum bracteatum

Strawflower
Strawflower · Xerochrysum bracteatum

A half-hardy annual grown for long-lasting papery flowers. In the UK it does best started under cover, then planted out after frost risk has passed and grown on in a sunny, free-draining spot.

75 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Parney Heath · last frost ≈ 15 May

Sow indoors March to April, plant out May to June. Frost risk October to May.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Sow indoorsNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
Plant outNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

Step-by-step instructions for growing Strawflower

  1. 01

    Sow Seeds Indoors

    31 Mar to 24 Apr

    Sow seeds in modules or trays around 31st March - 24th April at a depth of . Keep them at and just moist until they germinate, then give them plenty of light so the seedlings do not stretch.

  2. 02

    Prick Out Seedlings

    3 May to 17 May

    When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots around 3rd May - 17th May. Handle them by the leaves, not the stems, and keep them growing on in bright, frost-free conditions.

  3. 03

    Harden Off

    1 May to 15 May

    Acclimatise the young plants gradually around 1st May - 15th May. Put them outside for a few hours at first, then extend the time over about a week so they get used to sun and wind.

  4. 04

    Transplant Outdoors

    29 May to 12 Jun

    Plant out around 29th May - 12th June once frosts have passed and the soil has warmed. Space plants apart in full sun, and water in thoroughly straight away.

  5. 05

    Support and Feed

    5 Jul to 14 Oct every 2 weeks

    Check plants from 5th July as they settle in, and keep the soil evenly moist in dry spells. A light liquid feed every 14 days helps maintain growth without making the plants soft and floppy.

  6. 06

    Deadheading & Maintenance

    5 Jul to 14 Oct

    From 5th July onwards, deadhead fading flowers regularly by cutting stems back to a leaf joint. This stops the plant setting seed and keeps it flowering well until the autumn frosts.

Companion plants

Tap a plant to see why it works (or doesn't) with Strawflower.

Good companions

Plants to avoid

Why companion planting matters

Companion planting can deter pests, improve pollination, and make better use of space. Some plants confuse pests or attract beneficial insects; others improve soil or offer shade to neighbours that need it.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Strawflower to consider

Swiss Giants

A well-known mixed strain with large, long-lasting flowers in a range of colours.

Silvery Rose

Soft pink flowers with a pale, papery sheen. Good for cutting and drying.

King Size Orange

Bold orange blooms on sturdy stems, useful for borders and cutting.

Strawflower guides by town

See how Strawflower timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.