Strawflower ‘Dragon Fire’

Bracteantha bracteata

Features

  • Cut-and-come-again
  • Dryable
  • Easy to grow
  • Heat-loving
  • Pollinator-friendly

Description

Also known in the trade as ‘Purple Red’

A versatile and textural addition to the cutting garden, strawflower can be used both fresh and dried for use in fall bouquets and wreaths. Deep rich wine-colored double flowers ride atop long, strong stems and bloom from midsummer to frost. Also known as everlasting flowers, the color and shape of these papery blooms will last indefinitely when dried. Pollinators love them.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed requires light to germinate, so do not cover. Bottom-water until seedlings emerge.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when the flowers are half open and before they are pollinated. Expect a vase life of 7 days or more. To dry, remove foliage and hang upside down in a warm, dark place until firm.

Details

Description

Also known in the trade as ‘Purple Red’

A versatile and textural addition to the cutting garden, strawflower can be used both fresh and dried for use in fall bouquets and wreaths. Deep rich wine-colored double flowers ride atop long, strong stems and bloom from midsummer to frost. Also known as everlasting flowers, the color and shape of these papery blooms will last indefinitely when dried. Pollinators love them.

Details

Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary

Seed Sowing & Growing Notes

Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed requires light to germinate, so do not cover. Bottom-water until seedlings emerge.

Harvesting/Vase Life

Harvest when the flowers are half open and before they are pollinated. Expect a vase life of 7 days or more. To dry, remove foliage and hang upside down in a warm, dark place until firm.

Sources

How to Grow

Winter Mini Course

Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series

In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.