Bracted Strawflower: A Colorful Annual for Cutting Gardens
If you’ve ever admired those papery, everlasting flowers that seem to hold their vibrant colors forever, you’ve likely encountered the bracted strawflower (Bracteantha bracteata). This cheerful annual brings a splash of color to gardens and makes exceptional dried flower arrangements that last well beyond the growing season.
What is Bracted Strawflower?
Bracted strawflower is an annual flowering plant originally from Australia that has found its way into American gardens. You might also know it by its former scientific names, including Helichrysum bracteatum or Xeranthemum bracteatum – botanists have shuffled this plant around a bit over the years!
What makes this plant special are its distinctive flowers – which are actually colorful, papery bracts that surround tiny true flowers in the center. These bracts come in a delightful range of colors including bright yellow, orange, pink, red, and white, and they maintain their vibrant appearance both fresh and dried.
Where Does It Grow?
As a non-native species introduced to North America, bracted strawflower has established itself in several locations, particularly in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Puerto Rico, where it reproduces on its own and persists in the wild.
Should You Grow Bracted Strawflower?
Bracted strawflower can be a delightful addition to certain garden settings, though it’s worth considering both the benefits and alternatives:
Why You Might Want to Grow It:
- Excellent for cutting gardens and dried flower arrangements
- Long-lasting blooms that retain color when dried
- Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
- Easy to grow from seed with minimal care required
- Drought tolerant once established
- Adds bright, cheerful colors to annual borders
Things to Consider:
- As a non-native plant, it doesn’t provide the same ecological benefits as native species
- It’s an annual, so you’ll need to replant each year
- May self-seed in favorable conditions
How to Grow Bracted Strawflower Successfully
Growing Conditions
Bracted strawflower is pleasantly undemanding. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it perfect for sunny borders or cutting gardens. Once established, it’s quite drought tolerant, though regular watering during dry spells will keep it looking its best.
Planting Tips
As an annual, bracted strawflower is typically grown from seed each year. Here’s how to get started:
- Direct sow seeds in the garden after the danger of frost has passed
- Seeds can also be started indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date
- Plant seeds about ¼ inch deep in well-prepared soil
- Space plants 6-12 inches apart to allow for good air circulation
Care and Maintenance
One of the best things about bracted strawflower is how little fuss it requires:
- Water regularly until established, then reduce watering frequency
- Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continued flowering
- No fertilizer needed in average garden soil
- Harvest flowers for drying just as they begin to open for best results
Native Alternatives to Consider
While bracted strawflower can be a charming addition to your garden, you might also consider native alternatives that provide similar aesthetic appeal while supporting local ecosystems:
- Wild bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) for colorful, pollinator-friendly blooms
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia species) for bright yellow, long-lasting flowers
- Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) for attractive blooms that dry well
- Native sunflowers (Helianthus species) for bold, cheerful flowers
The Bottom Line
Bracted strawflower is a reliable, easy-to-grow annual that excels in cutting gardens and dried arrangements. While it won’t provide the same ecological benefits as native plants, it’s not considered invasive and can be a colorful addition to annual displays. Whether you choose to grow it or opt for native alternatives, the key is creating a garden that brings you joy while being mindful of your local ecosystem.
