Strawflower (golden everlasting) Xerochrysum bracteatum
Strawflower (golden everlasting) (Xerochrysum bracteatum) is an annual flowering plant in the Asteraceae family, native to Australia (widespread, mainly the east and south). It grows 40–90 cm (16–35 in) tall and 30–40 cm (12–16 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart.
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Strawflower (golden everlasting) at a glance
| Type | Annual flowering plant |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–40 cm (12–16 in) |
| Spacing | 30 cm (12 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 35 °C (95 °F) |
| Flowering | about 11–16 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 110 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Australia (widespread, mainly the east and south) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Strawflower (golden everlasting) toxic?
- People: not well documented
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
No toxicity data found in ASPCA or standard poison references; daisy-family plants can irritate sensitive skin.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Strawflower (golden everlasting)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Strawflower (golden everlasting)
- How far apart should I plant Strawflower (golden everlasting)?
- About 30 cm (12 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–40 cm (12–16 in).
- Does Strawflower (golden everlasting) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Strawflower (golden everlasting) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Strawflower (golden everlasting)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Strawflower (golden everlasting) flower?
- About 11–16 weeks after planting, for 9–17 weeks.
- Is Strawflower (golden everlasting) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not well documented. No toxicity data found in ASPCA or standard poison references; daisy-family plants can irritate sensitive skin.
- What grows well with Strawflower (golden everlasting)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Strawflower (golden everlasting). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Australian native plant profiles, Australian National Botanic Gardens / Australian Plants Society
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
- Short-lived perennial in Australia, grown as an annual in cooler climates; papery bracts suit drying.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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