Xeranthemum

Plant family

Daisy family (Asteraceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Dry

Soil

Light (sandy)

Nutrient requirement

Low

Seeding distance

25 cm

Row spacing

25 cm

Seeding depth

0Not specified

Instructions

Description

The chaff flowers, also sometimes called immortelle or strawflowers, belong to the daisy family (Asteraceae). There are 5-6 species that grow annual, herbaceous. Their flowers are white, pinkish-purple to violet. They are used as ornamental, dry, cut flowers. Good in perennial or rock garden beds and as gap fillers. The trivial name spreublume is sometimes also used for species of the genus Achyranthes, which belongs to the foxtail family (Amaranthaceae).

Growing tips

Sensitive to frost. Self-seeds. Does not tolerate waterlogging. Germination after 7-20 days at 15-20°C. Cover only thinly with soil, keep moist. Direct seeding possible. Does not tolerate transplanting well. Cut back withered flowers. To dry, cut flower stems just before buds open fully and bundle. Hang upside down in a cool, airy, shady place. Propagate by seed.