Helichrysum bracteatum

Helichrysum bracteatum es la siempreviva — una planta anual arbustiva cuyas brácteas papiráceas similares a margaritas en rojo, naranja, dorado, rosa y blanco se sienten secas en la planta, la definitiva flor eterna para secar.

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.

¿Qué es Helichrysum bracteatum?
Es la siempreviva o flor de paja, la más conocida de las flores eternas, cuyas brácteas rígidas y papiráceas se sienten secas incluso en la planta viva. ¿Por qué la siempreviva tiene textura de papel?
Sus «pétalos» son en realidad brácteas rígidas y no pétalos blandos, lo que le permite secarse a la perfección. ¿Cuándo debo sembrar semillas de Helichrysum bracteatum?
Siembra bajo cubierta en primavera y planta al exterior tras la última helada. Consulta nuestro calendario de siembra de flores para saber el momento exacto. ¿Cómo seco las siemprevivas?
Corta las flores justo cuando empiecen a abrirse y cuélgalas boca abajo en un lugar seco y ventilado.