Bountiful Gardens

The Paper-Petal Wonder: Strawflower

The most fascinating thing about the Strawflower is that what look like petals are actually bracts (modified leaves). They are naturally dry and low in moisture even when the plant is alive. These bracts have a "mechanical" reaction to humidity: they open wide in the dry sun and snap shut when it rains or at night to protect the central pollen.

Role in the Garden

• Design Category: Filler. Depending on the variety, they can be dwarf (8–12 inches) or tall (3 feet). They provide a stiff, upright "button" texture that contrasts beautifully with "floppy" flowers like Petunias.

• Best Placement: They are the "stars" of cutting gardens, sunny rock gardens, and mixed containers. Because they are so drought-tolerant, they excel in terracotta pots that dry out quickly.

• Bloom Season: Early Summer through the first hard frost. They are exceptionally frost-hardy for an annual and are often the last flowers standing in late October.

Care & Maintenance

• The "Everlasting" Harvest: To dry them, cut the stems just as the flowers begin to open. Hang them upside down in a dark, dry place for two weeks. They will keep their "neon" colors (yellow, orange, hot pink, bronze) for several years.

• Deadheading for Density: If you aren't harvesting them for drying, snip off the old, faded heads. This encourages the plant to branch out and produce a much higher volume of flowers.

• The "Snap" Warning: The stems are hollow and can be somewhat brittle. Tall varieties may need a small bamboo stake if you live in a very windy area to prevent the heavy flower heads from snapping the stalks.

• Pest Resistance: Generally, deer and rabbits find the "scratchy," dry texture of the flowers unappealing.

The Essential Tip for Beginners

The "Late Night" Mystery: Don't be alarmed if you go out to your garden at 9 PM and all your Strawflowers have "disappeared." They haven't dropped their petals; they've simply folded shut for the night. They are solar-powered—wait for the morning sun to hit them, and they will "click" back open within minutes!