
Bracteantha bracteata
Fresh this week. Last restocked Jun 25.
Xerochrysum bracteatum, the strawflower, is an Australian annual or short-lived perennial renowned for its papery, everlasting flower heads in vivid shades of yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. The blooms retain their color and form when dried, making this plant a staple for both fresh and dried floral arrangements. Starting at $7.95.
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Bloom season.
Retains foliage through winter.
Strawflower demands full sun — at least 6–8 hours of direct light daily. In NE Florida, plant in November in an open, south-facing bed for best winter-into-spring performance; avoid shaded spots, which cause leggy growth and fewer blooms.
Water at the base using drip or hand-watering; overhead irrigation damages the papery petals and promotes rot. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Strawflower is low-water once established and declines quickly in waterlogged conditions.
Plant in well-drained sandy or loamy soil; incorporate compost and a controlled-release fertilizer at planting. Avoid heavy nitrogen applications, which favor foliage over flowers. In NE Florida, use as a cool-season annual (November–April); plants decline as summer heat and humidity arrive.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.

Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, low water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Strawflower is a annual for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet.
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.