Today there are more than 600 subspecies of straw flowers (Helichrysum) within the Asteraceae family. Many of them are often grown in gardens because of their attractive flowers.
Which strawflower species are particularly popular?
Popular strawflower species with showy flowers are the sand strawflower (Helichrysum arenarium), the folded strawflower (Helichrysum plicatum) and the garden strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum). They are easy to care for, are suitable for dry bouquets and can be cultivated in beds or pots.
Reasons for the popularity of strawflower species
Straw flowers are so popular without gardeners for a reason. After all, these are plants whose rather inconspicuous base is usually crowned by relatively large and colorful flowers. In addition, strawflowers usually require comparatively little care and can cope well with hot and dry locations. Last but not least, strawflowers are often used not only as cut flowers, but also for making dry bouquets. To do this, the flowers must be cut in good time and dried properly.
Straw flowers with showy flowers
The following strawflower species produce relatively large and showy flowers that are well suited for use in dry bouquets:
- Sand Strawflower (Helichrysum arenarium)
- Folded Strawflower (Helichrysum plicatum)
- Garden Strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum)
These are frost-sensitive species that usually have to be grown from seeds every year. These straw flowers can be cultivated not only in outdoor beds, but also in pots on the terrace and on the balcony. It can be beneficial for the flowers of these species if ground-level side shoots of the plants are removed after planting in the final location. This allows the plants to channel all their energy into the main shoots and flowers.
Strawflower species with special characteristics
In many gardens today there are also species of strawflower that at first glance might not even be considered part of this plant genus. A good example of this is the so-called curry herb (Helichrysum italicum). In contrast to some other strawflower species, this is perennial, but is also sensitive to frost. While older specimens can survive a winter outdoors in regions with a mild climate with some winter protection, young plants in pots should be placed in a cool, dark cellar for the winter. You should also overwinter the so-called licorice herb (Helychrisum petiolare) in the cellar so that it can grow into a cushion-like subshrub over several years.
Tip
If you are looking for a hardy species of strawflower, you can choose the South African strawflower (Helichrysum splendidum). This impresses with its contrast between the silvery stems and the yellow flowers and can be overwintered outdoors with a little winter protection.
