Today, more than 600 subspecies are counted among the everlasting flowers (helichrysum) within the daisy family. Many of these are popularly grown in gardens for their attractive flowers.

The helichrysum is a delicate, bright yellow helichrysum

Reasons for the popularity of strawflower species

Everlasting flowers are so popular without gardeners for a reason. After all, these are plants whose rather inconspicuous base is usually crowned by relatively large and colorful flowers. In addition, straw flowers usually require comparatively little care and can also cope well with hot and dry locations. Last but not least, straw flowers are not only used as cut flowers, but also for tying dried bouquets. For this, however, the flowers must be cut in good time and dried properly.

Straw flowers with showy flowers

The following helichrysum species form relatively large and showy flowers that are well suited for use in dried bouquets:

  • Helichrysum arenarium (Helichrysum arenarium)
  • Folded Helichrysum (Helichrysum plicatum)
  • Helichrysum (Helichrysum bracteatum)

These are frost-sensitive species that usually have to be grown from seed every year. The culture of these immortelle is not only possible in outdoor beds, but also in pots on the terrace and on the balcony. It can be beneficial for the flowers of these species if side shoots close to the ground are removed from the plants after planting in the final location. In this way, the plants can channel all their energy into the main shoots and flowers.

Everlasting species with special characteristics

In many gardens nowadays, species of helichrysum are also widespread, which at first glance you might not even count as part of this plant genus. A good example of this is the so-called curry herb (Helichrysum italicum). In contrast to some other types of immortelle, this is perennial, but also sensitive to frost. While older specimens can survive a winter outdoors in regions with a mild climate with a certain winter protection, young plants in pots should be placed in a cool and dark cellar for the winter. You should also overwinter the so-called licorice herb (Helychrisum petiolare) in the cellar so that it can grow into a cushion-like semi-shrub over several years.

tips

If you are looking for a hardy everlasting species, you can opt for the South African everlasting (Helichrysum splendidum). This one impresses with its contrast between the silvery stems and the yellow flowers and can be overwintered outdoors with some winter protection.

Category:

Herbs