It is something to behold when you come across a garden of Everlasting Daisies in bloom. An icon of the Australian landscape, everlasting or paper daisies (otherwise known as strawflowers) have become incredibly popular with gardeners in recent years, and it only takes a single glance at them to understand why.
In this guide, we will cover how to grow Everlasting Daisies, as well as some similar varieties, and answer all your questions about these beautiful flowers, including how to grow Everlasting Daisies from seed and whether Everlasting Daisies are perennial.
Everlasting Daisies Classification
Family
Asteraceae
Genus
Xerochrysum
Everlasting Daisies Seed Varieties
Mr Fothergill’s main and most popular variety of Everlasting Daisies is Xerochrysum bracteatum, but our fantastic range also includes other flowers that fall under the same category of papery, long-lasting blooms. These include:
- Rhodanthe chlorocephala ssp. Rosea
- Schoenia Filifolia
- Xeranthemum
What Are Everlasting Daisies?
When we talk about “everlasting” or “paper” daisies, we are typically referring to a range of annual flowers belonging to the Asteraceae (or aster) family. They are characterised by beautifully bright and dry, paper-like petals.
Thanks to the low moisture content of their papery, almost straw-like blooms, these flowers are exceptionally popular for creating “everlasting” floral displays, as they retain their colour and texture for a long time. It’s no surprise that varieties like the Golden Everlasting are favourites amongst gardeners looking for a long-lasting burst of colour for their displays.
Everlasting Daisies are also incredibly simple to grow in garden beds en masse or in pots. Combined with their delightful colours, this makes them a must-have for any gardener, but do they really last year after year?
The Big Question: Are Everlasting Daisies Perennial?
While some everlasting daisies can be perennial for up to 3 to 4 years, our Rhodanthe sp, Schoenia filifolia, and Xerochrysum bracteatum varieties are considered annuals and perform very well when planted anew each year.
How To Grow Everlasting Daisies From Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learning how to grow paper daisies or everlasting daisies is really simple, and we’ve got all the essential steps down to a science to help you bring these fabulous flowers to your garden year on year:
- When to Plant: In Australia, the ideal planting season for everlasting daisies is autumn, as this time of year allows for strong root development before flowering in spring. This applies to most regions across Australia, though in cooler regions like Victoria, they can be planted in early spring.
- Where to Plant: Select a spot in the garden that receives ample sunlight and has excellent drainage.
- How to Sow: For a natural meadow look, directly sow your seeds into the garden. Sprinkle your seeds lightly, then gently rake or press over them to ensure they have at least 5mm of dirt cover.
- Caring for Your Seeds: Water your seeds initially to help them set, then water sparingly to prevent your soil from drying out. Slow-release fertiliser is beneficial for poorer soils, and take care to deadhead your daisies to encourage healthier blooms.
Harvesting and Drying: Making Displays That Last for Years
Everlasting daisies are the perfect addition to any cut flower garden. The process of cutting these flowers to add to your long-lasting displays is incredibly simple:
Step 1: Cut your flowers in the morning when any dew has dried. Select flowers that have opened but not fully bloomed, and ensure you cut the stems at a 45-degree angle.
Step 2: Remove the leaves from the stem and bundle 5 to 10 flowers together, binding them with a rubber band.
Step 3: Hang the bundles upside down in a cool, dark, dry place with good ventilation, such as an attic or shed.
Step 4: After two or three weeks, check to see if the stems and leaves are crisp.
Mr Fothergill’s Favourite Varieties
Now that you’re ready to start growing your own Everlasting Daisies, let’s take a look at some of our top picks for varieties you can pick up right here from Mr Fothergill’s.
Strawflower Tall Mixed Seeds
For colourful displays that stand tall, our Strawflower Tall Mixed Seeds are a great option. Providing the perfect background to your short spring displays, these seeds can steal the show or play their part in beautiful blends.
Strawflower Dwarf Mixed Seeds
Short but sweet, these Strawflower Dwarf Mixed Seeds are the perfect addition to any dwarf annual seed garden. Packed with colour and ideal for cutting, these seeds work for every situation.
Mixed Xeranthemum Seeds
If your garden is calling out for a bit of diversity, our Mixed Xeranthemum Seeds deliver just that. Bring yellows, pinks, and whites to your displays with seeds that can withstand even low-quality soil.
Discover Everlasting Daisies With Mr Fothergill’s
Growing Everlasting Daisies in your garden is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to bring colour and energy to your displays. While limited in their perennial potential, their annual bloomage makes for an incredible boost to any Australian garden. If you want to discover the joys of everlasting daisies, check out our full Everlasting Daisy seed range, or feel free to contact us with your questions.
