Growing and Caring for Xerochrysum

Plant Care

Xerochrysum is one of the easiest and most rewarding natives to cultivate. All it requires to thrive is some sunlight, some airflow and freely draining soil. Unlike many showy flowers, it actually prefers poor conditions—fertile soil may result in lots of foliage but fewer flowers.

Strawflowers are fast to grow, suitable for quick color or seasonal infill. Deadhead regularly to keep the blooms coming, and in native gardens, they pair well with grasses and other dry-climate perennials.

Light

Full sun is essential. Xerochrysum likes full sun where it will receive 6 – 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If it doesn’t get enough sun, it can get leggy and flower less.Ideal for open gardens, rockeries, and sunny containers.

Soil

Strawflowers are easy to please, but drainage is crucial. They prefer sandy or loamy soils and do not like waterlogged conditions. Lean soils replicate their natural conditions and, in fact, even promote more generous blooming.

• Avoid clay soils unless amended with coarse sand or grit
• Slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal
• No need to enrich with compost or fertilizers

Watering

Water the plant lightly and deeply, then let it dry out before watering it again. Xerochrysum is naturally drought-tolerant once established.

• During establishment: water regularly, allowing surface to dry between watering
• At maturity: only water during extended dry periods
• In containers: monitor more closely but still allow to dry out

Avoid overhead watering which can damage the flowers and encourage mildew.

Pruning

Deadheading is the main form of pruning for Strawflowers and helps prolong the blooming season. Light pruning can also influence the shape and rejuvenate a tired specimen.

When to prune:

• Regularly during flowering season (spring to autumn)
• Hard cutback in late autumn if overwintering

What to prune:

• Spent blooms

• Leggy or damaged stems

Why it helps:

• Encourages more flowers
• Retains shape and compact growth
• Reduces risk of fungal issues

Propagating

Xerochrysum is usually grown from seed, but can also be grown from cuttings.

From seed:

• Plant in early spring (or fall in warm zones)
• Surface sow and press lightly—do not bury
• Germinates in 7-14 days in warm temperatures
• Thin seedlings once large enough to handle

From cuttings:

• Take 3–5 inch softwood cuttings in spring or summer.
• Remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone
• Plant in sandy potting mix and keep lightly moist

Growing in Pots

Strawflowers do wonderfully in containers, where their upright form and vibrant colours shine.

Container tips:

• Plant in a well-draining native mix or cactus soil
• Select a pot that has good drainage
• Place in full sun of 6 hours minimum
• Water only when surface is dry
• Deadhead regularly for continuous bloom

Pair with other drought-lovers like sedum or kangaroo paw for a striking display.

Overwintering

In zones 9–11, Xerochrysum may survive mild winters as a short-lived perennial.Elsewhere, it is best treated as an annual or overwintered indoors.

In-ground:

• Mulch lightly to preserve roots around base
• Cut back hard after flowering
• Avoid winter watering

In pots (cold climate):

• Move to a sunny, frost-free place
• Water only occasionally
• Resume full care in spring

You can also save seeds from spent blooms and sow again next season.

Blooming

Blooming is the star feature of Xerochrysum—and it doesn’t disappoint. Expect constant colour from spring through late autumn.

• Bloom time: Spring to frost (or year-round in warm areas)
• Colors of flowers: Yellow, orange, white, pink, bronze, red
• Texture: Papery petals that retain color when dried
• Pollinators: Attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Tip: For dried arrangements, cut flowers before they are fully open and hang upside-down in a dry, airy place.

Common Issues

Strawflowers are generally free of pests and diseases if grown in the appropriate conditions.

Watch for:

• Powdery mildew → This can be a problem in humid areas and crowded plantings
• Aphids or thrips → Occasionally appear on soft new growth
• Overwatering → Root rot is the most common cause of failure

Ensure good spacing, avoid overhead watering, and prune as needed for airflow.

Summary

A true native standout, Xerochrysum delivers months of stunning colour with almost no effort. I Its tough nature, bright papery blooms, and low water needs make it a go-to plant for gardeners who want lasting impact with minimal input.  Whether you’re creating an eternal bouquet, planting a pollinator patch or  just brightening up a sunny bed, Strawflower delivers the drama — and keeps on giving.