The Dollar Tree has so many amazing items in the garden section this year. I’m not sure if they’ve always had a garden section, but either way, I’m totally loving it! I’ve made more trips to the Dollar Tree than I’d like to admit – and it’s only February.
Aside from all the amazing finds The Dollar Tree has to offer, one, in particular, caught my eye – the Helichrysum seeds. The Dollar Tree sells American Seeds for four packets for a dollar. I bought only two packets of these seeds because I’m currently dealing with (or not dealing with, rather) a seed addiction and am busting at the seams with seeds, and because I’ve never grown Helichrysums before this year. Also, admittedly I’m pretty concerned at this point about where all my flowers are going to go. Thankfully, my vegetable garden is fenced in and has space designated, but that leaves the rest of the yard as my blank canvas. That also means that I may have overstocked seeds in preparation. ??♀️
About the Plant
The seed packet says “Helichrysum – Tall Double Mixed Colors”, a.k.a. xerochrysum bracteatum.
The packet that I bought – Helichrysum Tall Double Mixed Colors – are also called strawflowers, which vary from the traditional, bright yellow Helichrysum angustifolium that you find in Google searches with the term “Helichrysum.” However, both are in the daisy family and of the everlasting tribe. This is why they’re called “everlasting flowers.”
Strawflowers vary in bright arrays of colors, are native to Australia, are drought and heat tolerant, and can tolerate poor soil conditions. This makes them easy for any skill-level gardener to care for.
Strawflowers stand out, particularly for their flower heads’ unique qualities. Because they contain less moisture in the petals than most flowers, the petals have a papery appearance. Perhaps this is what drew me to the seed packet, to begin with. The petals are thin, crisp, and perfectly delicate-looking. The flowers are so unique, that I couldn’t help but love them. They also last a long time after being cut and even after being dried out (another reason they’re called everlasting). They’re beautiful additions to container gardens, pollinator gardens, butterfly gardens, and bouquets.
For Your Garden Journal
Name: Strawflower
Scientific Name: xerochrysum bracteatum
Zones: Perennials in USDA zones 8-11 and annuals in cooler zones
Sun Requirement: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Well-draining soil. Does not require fertilizer
How to Plant: After the dangers of frost have passed, plant seeds 1/4” deep into the soil and lightly cover them with soil. You may also sow indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost, or outdoors with the winter sowing method!
For fifty cents, I have to say, I’m so excited to grow these strawflowers for my pollinator garden!
Happy gardening!
How My Strawflowers Turned Out in the Garden
My strawflowers grew beautifully, but unfortunately, I wasn’t the only one to enjoy them. Since my garden was in its first year in its new location, I was dealing with a ton of pests all through the growing season. While I planted the entire two packets of strawflower seeds, the pests destroyed about a third of them. However, I was still able to enjoy the flowers in their full beauty. See for yourself!
