Straw Flower
Helichrysum bracteatum
Annual (perennial in zones 8a-10b)
Growing preferences: Full sun, well-draining soil
Bloom period: Mid to late summer
Pollinators: Bees, butterflies
Resistant to: Deer
Uses: Beautiful garden addition, cut flower, or dried flower
Locations: Cut Flower Plot
This flower has a unique paper-like texture even when it is fresh. Blooms close every night or during rain, so it is best to harvest on a dry day after the flowers have several hours of sunlight to open. Harvest the flowers that are just barely mature enough to reveal the center while the petals remain mostly closed. Flowers continue to open after being cut. If harvesting for dried flowers, don’t be fooled by the dry paper texture, the flowers still need proper airflow and time to dry out thoroughly before being stored or arranged in dry bouquets.