The flowers of the strawflower (Helichrysum) retain their bright colors even when dried, which is why these attractive garden flowers are increasingly being grown in gardens in this country and ultimately cut for dry bouquets. If a few basic rules are followed during care, even less experienced gardeners can grow it relatively easily.
How do you properly care for strawflowers?
Strawflowers require a sunny location, moderate watering, loose, nutrient-rich soil and regular pruning. In the event of pest infestation or diseases such as downy mildew, early intervention should be carried out. Fertilize perennial strawflowers regularly and, if necessary, overwinter them protected.
How often should the strawflower be watered?
All subspecies of strawflower generally prefer relatively dry soil and a location that is as sunny as possible. Nevertheless, especially in very hot locations such as on the balcony, you should water regularly with just a little water during the summer months so that the plants never dry out completely, even in the pot or balcony box.
What should you consider when transplanting strawflowers?
Straw flowers can easily be cultivated in pots or grown in a cold frame and isolated later. They usually tolerate transplanting relatively easily. Soils that tend to become waterlogged should first be loosened up with a little sand. You can also use well-seasoned compost to ensure a long-term supply of nutrients and therefore more lush flowering of the strawflower.
When and how is the strawflower cut?
Perennial strawflower species are usually given a rejuvenation cut in spring. Cutting back plants in autumn is less beneficial. In principle, strawflowers do not grow so strongly that they necessarily have to be cut due to their size. You should only regularly pluck or cut off wilted or diseased plant parts and flowers. Cutting the flowers for drying should be done when the flower heads are not yet open.
Which pests attack the strawflower?
The strawflower is rarely attacked by pests, any aphid colonies can be controlled with the appropriate beneficial insects or washed off with a sharp jet of water.
Which diseases affect the strawflower and what can be done about it?
Downy mildew (€8.00 at Amazon) occasionally occurs on strawflowers. This can be combated with commercially available products or affected plant parts can simply be cut out as early as possible.
What should the strawflower be fertilized with?
While annual strawflowers are only fertilized when planted, perennial strawflower species should be fertilized approximately every two to three months. Specimens in pots can easily be supplied with a little liquid fertilizer every two weeks
Can strawflower be overwintered?
The different types of strawflower have different life cycles (depending on the species, location and climate):
- annual
- two-year-old
- perennial
The annual species of strawflower can sometimes be cultivated as perennials if they are overwintered in a protected pot.
Tip
Grow different types of strawflowers with different flower colors to create particularly beautiful dry bouquets.
