Strawflowers: Your Complete UK Growing Guide for Cottage Gardens

The Complete Guide to Growing Everlasting Flowers in UK Gardens

There's something profoundly magical about flowers that refuse to fade. Everlasting flowers—those botanical marvels with papery petals that retain their colour and form long after cutting—allow you to capture summer's glory and keep it on display throughout the darkest months. Unlike conventional cut flowers that wilt within days, everlastings can remain vibrant for years, making them invaluable for wreaths, winter bouquets, and decorative arrangements.

In the UK, we're blessed with ideal conditions for growing these remarkable plants. Our cool, temperate climate suits them perfectly, and with the right varieties and techniques, you can cultivate an abundance of flowers specifically for drying. This comprehensive guide covers the most popular and reliable everlasting flowers for British gardens: the bold, vibrant Helichrysum (Swiss Giant Strawflowers) and the delicate, refined Acroclinium (Paper Daisies). Both deliver stunning results and are surprisingly easy to grow.

Understanding Everlasting Flowers

Everlasting flowers, also known as immortelles or paper flowers, possess a unique characteristic: their petals (or more accurately, the coloured bracts surrounding the flowers) are naturally dry and papery even whilst growing in the garden. This isn't just texture—it's structural. Unlike regular flowers with soft, moisture-filled petals, everlastings have modified leaves that feel crisp to the touch, almost like high-quality tissue paper or parchment.

This natural dryness means they don't wilt when cut. Instead, they simply continue drying whilst maintaining their shape and brilliant colour. The result is flowers that can last literally for years without fading significantly, making them perfect for:

• Winter wreaths and door decorations
• Long-lasting bouquets and arrangements
• Wedding flowers and buttonholes
• Craft projects and flower pressing
• Natural confetti that can be used repeatedly

Helichrysum 'Swiss Giant' Strawflowers

The Bold Beauties

Helichrysum 'Swiss Giant Mix' represents the gold standard in everlasting flowers. These are the showstoppers—large, fully double blooms up to 6cm across in a sunset palette of fiery reds, oranges, yellows, pinks, and pure white. The flowers sit atop tall, sturdy stems reaching 90-100cm, making them outstanding both in the garden and the vase.

What sets Swiss Giants apart is their sheer substance. These aren't dainty little flowers—they're bold, architectural blooms that command attention. The double form means layer upon layer of papery bracts creating substantial, rounded flower heads that feel almost waxy to the touch. Even in full bloom in the garden, they feel dry and crisp, and their colours are so intense they almost appear artificial.

Classification and Climate Requirements

Helichrysum is classified as a half-hardy annual, which is crucial to understand for UK growing success. Unlike hardy annuals that tolerate frost, half-hardy annuals are frost-tender and need warmth to thrive. This means:

• They cannot survive frost at any stage
• Seeds need warmth (18-21°C) to germinate
• They must not be planted outdoors until after the last frost (typically late May/early June in most of the UK)
• They require a long growing season to reach their full potential

The upside is that once established in warm summer weather, Helichrysum absolutely thrives in our long British summer days, flowering prolifically from July through to the first autumn frosts.

Acroclinium (Rhodanthe, Helipterum)

The Delicate Darlings

Acroclinium Grandiflorum, also sold under the names Rhodanthe or Helipterum, offers a completely different aesthetic from the chunky Helichrysum. These are refined, elegant paper daisies producing single or semi-double blooms in soft pink, rose-pink, and pure white, each with a striking yellow or dark centre. The flowers are smaller (3-4cm across) but incredibly prolific, and the plants reach 40-50cm tall.

What makes Acroclinium special is its nostalgic, cottage-garden charm. The delicate flowers have a Victorian appeal, reminiscent of pressed flower collections and traditional crafts. The petals are extraordinarily fine—so thin they're almost translucent—yet they maintain their colour beautifully for years after drying.

Classification and Growing Requirements

Acroclinium is also a half-hardy annual with similar temperature requirements to Helichrysum. However, it's slightly less demanding and can tolerate marginally cooler conditions. The key requirements remain:

• Frost protection essential
• Warmth needed for germination
• Plant out only after frost danger passes
• Thrives in warm, sunny summer conditions

Both plants share an important characteristic: they're solar-powered! The flowers only open fully in bright sunshine and close up on dull, cloudy days or in the evening. This is normal behaviour and actually helps preserve the flowers—they're protecting themselves from moisture.

Sowing Everlasting Flowers

Indoor Sowing: The Essential Method

For UK gardeners, indoor sowing is strongly recommended for both Helichrysum and Acroclinium. Given our climate and their half-hardy nature, starting seeds indoors gives you:

• Control over germination temperatures
• A head start on the growing season
• Protection from late spring frosts
• Earlier flowering (July rather than August)
• Stronger, more robust plants

Sowing Timeline

Late March to Early April: This is the optimal sowing window for most UK regions. Earlier sowings risk leggy seedlings waiting too long for planting-out weather, whilst later sowings may not flower until late summer.

Sowing Method:

• Fill modular trays or small pots (7-9cm) with good-quality, peat-free seed compost
• Water thoroughly and allow to drain
• Sow 2-3 seeds per module on the surface
• Cover very lightly with vermiculite or sieved compost—everlasting flower seeds need some light to germinate
• Place in a heated propagator or warm location (18-21°C)
• Maintain consistent moisture but never waterlog

Germination

Germination typically occurs within 7-14 days. Helichrysum usually germinates slightly faster than Acroclinium. Once seedlings emerge:

• Remove from propagator to prevent damping off
• Move to a bright location (windowsill or greenhouse)
• Keep compost moist but not soggy
• When seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, thin to the strongest plant per module

Growing On

Young everlasting flower seedlings grow quite slowly initially, which is normal. They need:

• Maximum light to prevent legginess
• Moderate temperatures (15-18°C ideal)
• Regular but careful watering
• No feeding at this stage

By late April, seedlings should be sturdy little plants with several sets of true leaves, ready for hardening off.

Hardening Off

This critical step acclimatises indoor-raised plants to outdoor conditions. Start in early May:

• Move plants outdoors during the day to a sheltered spot
• Bring inside at night
• Gradually increase outdoor exposure over 10-14 days
• Protect from strong winds initially
• Only leave out overnight once night temperatures stay above 5°C
• Plant out after the last frost date (late May/early June for most areas)

Never rush hardening off—tender plants shocked by cold or wind never fully recover.

Direct Sowing: A Risky Alternative

Direct sowing outdoors is possible but challenging in the UK climate. The soil must be warm (minimum 15°C), which usually means late May or early June. By this time, direct-sown plants start growing so late that flowering is significantly delayed and the season shortened.

If you must direct sow:

• Wait until the soil is genuinely warm
• Sow in early June at the latest
• Expect flowering from late August onwards
• Yields and plant size will be reduced compared to indoor-sown plants

For best results, stick with indoor sowing.

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

The Perfect Location

Both Helichrysum and Acroclinium are children of the sun. They absolutely demand:

Full sun: Minimum 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In shade, they flower poorly and stems stretch weakly. The more sun, the better they perform.

Shelter from strong winds: Whilst they tolerate breezes, very exposed sites can batter the flowers. A position with some windbreak (hedge, fence, or other plants) is ideal.

Well-drained soil: This is non-negotiable. Everlasting flowers will not tolerate waterlogged conditions. They're adapted to warm, dry climates and actually prefer soil on the drier side once established.

Soil Preparation

Everlasting flowers appreciate moderately fertile, well-drained soil. They're not fussy and don't demand rich conditions—in fact, overly fertile soil encourages leafy growth at the expense of flowers.

Prepare beds by:

• Removing all weeds thoroughly
• Digging in a moderate amount of well-rotted compost (but not excessive quantities)
• On heavy clay soils, work in horticultural grit or sharp sand to improve drainage
• Rake to create a fine tilth
• Water a day or two before planting if soil is very dry

Don't over-feed. A balanced general-purpose fertiliser at planting time is sufficient.

Planting Out

Timing

Never rush this step. Everlasting flowers are genuinely frost-tender, and planting too early results in setback or death. Wait until:

• All danger of frost has passed (typically late May in southern UK, early June in northern regions)
• Soil has warmed up (15°C minimum)
• Weather has settled into more predictable patterns

A week of mild weather in April doesn't mean it's safe—late frosts are common through early May.

Planting Method

• Water plants in their pots an hour before planting
• Prepare planting holes slightly larger than the rootball
• Space Helichrysum 30-35cm apart (they grow large)
• Space Acroclinium 20-25cm apart (more compact)
• Plant at the same depth they were growing in pots
• Firm soil gently around roots
• Water thoroughly after planting
• Consider placing cloches or fleece over plants for the first few nights if weather is uncertain

Supporting Tall Varieties

Helichrysum 'Swiss Giant' grows tall (90-100cm) and benefits from support, especially in exposed gardens. Install support early whilst plants are young:

• Push bamboo canes or pea sticks in around young plants
• Create a horizontal netting framework supported on canes
• Individual plants can be staked and tied as they grow

Support installed early is hidden by foliage as plants mature.

Care and Maintenance

Watering

The watering regime evolves as plants mature:

First few weeks after planting: Keep soil consistently moist to help roots establish. Water every 2-3 days if dry.

Established plants: Everlastings are surprisingly drought-tolerant once settled. Water deeply once or twice weekly during dry weather, but don't overwater. Slightly dry conditions actually produce more intensely coloured flowers.

During flowering: Maintain consistent moisture for prolonged blooming, but never waterlog.

Always water at soil level rather than overhead—wet flowers can mark or develop mildew.

Feeding

Everlasting flowers need minimal feeding. They're adapted to relatively poor soils and over-feeding produces lush foliage with fewer flowers.

• No feeding required if you've prepared soil properly with compost
• If plants seem genuinely weak or yellowing, apply diluted liquid tomato feed once or twice during the season
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers which promote leaves over flowers

Deadheading for Garden Display

If you're growing everlastings purely for garden ornament (not for drying), regular deadheading encourages more flowers. Remove spent blooms as soon as they fade. However, most people grow these specifically for drying, in which case you'll be harvesting regularly anyway.

Pinching Out

For bushier plants with more flowering stems, pinch out the growing tip when plants are about 15cm tall. This encourages side shoots to develop, resulting in more flowers per plant. This is optional for Helichrysum but beneficial for Acroclinium.

Harvesting for Drying: The Critical Timing

This is where everlasting flowers separate from regular cut flowers—timing the harvest makes an enormous difference to the quality of your dried blooms.

When to Harvest

The golden rule: Harvest everlasting flowers just before they reach full maturity, whilst they're still slightly closed. This might seem counter-intuitive, but flowers harvested fully open often continue opening during drying and can shatter or look "blown."

For Helichrysum:

• Harvest when the outer rows of bracts are fully open but the centre is still tight
• The flower should feel firm and slightly closed in the centre
• If you can see the yellow centre disc clearly, you've waited too long
• Flowers harvested too early won't have developed full colour

For Acroclinium:

• Harvest when petals have opened but before they reflex backward
• The centre should be fresh and bright
• Slight bud stage is better than fully mature for this variety

Time of day matters: Cut in mid-morning after dew has dried but before afternoon heat. Stems are most turgid then.

Harvesting Method

• Use sharp secateurs or scissors
• Cut stems as long as possible—you can trim later
• Strip all foliage from the bottom two-thirds of each stem
• Handle flowers gently—they bruise easily
• Work through plants regularly every 2-3 days throughout the season

Regular cutting encourages more flowers. The more you cut, the more the plants produce.

Hygroscopic Magic

Here's a fascinating characteristic: everlasting flowers are hygroscopic, meaning they react to moisture in the air. On humid days, you might notice dried flowers appearing slightly softer or even closing slightly. On dry days, they become crisper. This is normal and doesn't damage them—they're simply responding to environmental moisture. Store dried flowers in low-humidity environments for best preservation.

Drying Techniques

Traditional Air Drying (Best Method)

This simple, time-tested method produces excellent results:

• Create small bunches: Gather 5-8 stems together (fewer is better—large bunches trap moisture and can mildew)
• Remove all foliage: Leaves retain moisture and can cause rot
• Secure with elastic bands: As stems shrink during drying, elastic maintains grip (string loosens)
• Hang upside down: This keeps stems straight and flower heads in good shape
• Choose location carefully: Dark or dimly lit (bright light fades colours) Warm and dry (not damp) Good air circulation (prevents mildew) Airing cupboard, spare room, or garden shed work well
• Allow 2-3 weeks: Complete drying takes time—rushing produces inferior results

Flowers are fully dry when stems snap crisply rather than bending.

Silica Gel Method (For Special Occasions)

For preserving individual perfect blooms (particularly for wedding work), silica gel gives superior results:

• Cut flowers with short stems
• Fill an airtight container with silica gel
• Carefully place flowers face-up in the gel
• Gently pour more silica gel around and over flowers, supporting petals
• Seal container
• Leave for 3-5 days
• Carefully remove dried flowers and brush off gel gently

This method preserves colour and form exceptionally well but is time-consuming for large quantities.

Stunning Varieties for UK Gardens

Helichrysum 'Swiss Giant Mix'

Helichrysum 'Swiss Giant Mix' is simply the best strawflower for serious dried flower production. The massive, fully double blooms in sunset shades—fiery scarlet, tangerine orange, golden yellow, hot pink, and pure white—create spectacular displays both fresh and dried.

At 90-100cm tall with strong stems, these are the workhorses for cutting gardens and florists. The flowers dry perfectly, maintaining their intense colours for literally years. If you only grow one everlasting flower, make it Swiss Giant Helichrysum. The colours are so vivid and long-lasting that arrangements made from them become heirloom pieces, passed down through generations.

These plants are also surprisingly valuable to pollinators. When left on the plant, the large yellow centres provide rich nectar, earning Helichrysum a place on the RHS Plants for Pollinators list.

Acroclinium Grandiflorum Mixed

Acroclinium Grandiflorum brings delicate Victorian charm to everlasting arrangements. Unlike the bold Helichrysum, Acroclinium produces refined paper daisies in soft pink, bright rose, and pure white, each with contrasting yellow or black centres.

The flowers are smaller (3-4cm) but produced in wonderful abundance on plants reaching 40-50cm. The papery petals are so fine they're almost translucent, creating an ethereal quality in arrangements. Acroclinium has a nostalgic appeal, reminiscent of pressed flowers and traditional cottage crafts.

These are particularly wonderful for:

• Delicate posies and small arrangements
• Wedding work requiring romantic, vintage aesthetics
• Mixed everlasting bouquets where they provide textural contrast
• Craft projects and wreath-making

Acroclinium is also remarkably easy to grow and incredibly productive—the more you cut, the more stems appear.

Companion Planting with Everlasting Flowers

Everlasting flowers work beautifully with other "dryers" and fresh-cut flowers.

Classic Everlasting Combinations

With Statice (Limonium): This pairing is gold standard. Statice provides filler and texture whilst Helichrysum offers focal points. Both need identical conditions and harvest at the same time.

With Scabiosa 'Stellata': The papery, globe-like seed heads of scabiosa create wonderful architectural contrast with rounded strawflowers.

With Larkspur: Tall spires of larkspur dry beautifully and add vertical interest to arrangements dominated by rounded everlasting flowers.

With Gomphrena (Globe Amaranth): The clover-like globes of gomphrena complement both Helichrysum and Acroclinium perfectly, offering additional colour options.

Fresh-Cutting Garden Companions

In the garden, everlasting flowers look wonderful planted alongside:

Cosmos: Similar height and both flower prolifically throughout summer.

Zinnias: The bold colours complement Helichrysum's vivid palette.

Calendula: Orange and yellow calendula bridges the colour range beautifully.

Sweet Peas: The textural contrast between soft sweet pea petals and crisp strawflowers is lovely.

Growing in Containers

Both Helichrysum and Acroclinium adapt reasonably well to container cultivation, though they never achieve the size of border-grown plants.

Container Requirements

• Large containers: Minimum 30cm diameter and depth
• Excellent drainage: Add crocks to base, use loam-based compost with added grit
• Sunny position: Place containers in the brightest spot available
• Support: Stake Helichrysum early as containers catch wind easily

Container Care

Container-grown plants need:

• Daily watering in hot weather (but don't overwater)
• Weekly feeding with diluted liquid tomato feed once flowering begins
• Deadheading or regular harvesting
• Protection from strong winds which can topple tall plants

Acroclinium performs particularly well in containers due to its more compact habit.

Pest and Disease Management

Everlasting flowers are remarkably trouble-free, but a few issues occasionally occur.

Aphids

These sap-suckers love the soft new growth. Check growing tips regularly and squash any colonies before they establish. Encourage natural predators like ladybirds by growing diverse plantings.

Slugs and Snails

Young plants are vulnerable immediately after planting out. Use organic slug pellets, copper tape, or check regularly during damp weather and remove pests manually.

Powdery Mildew

Can appear in dry conditions or on overcrowded plants. Ensure adequate spacing and water at soil level. Remove badly affected leaves. Mildew rarely impacts flowering significantly.

Damping Off

A fungal disease affecting seedlings in overly wet conditions. Prevent by:

• Using sterile seed compost
• Not overwatering
• Ensuring good ventilation
• Removing propagator lid after germination

Botrytis (Grey Mould)

Can affect flowers in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and harvest promptly. Remove affected flowers immediately.

Using Dried Everlasting Flowers

Once properly dried, everlasting flowers offer endless creative possibilities:

Winter Wreaths

Helichrysum and Acroclinium are perfect for door wreaths, mantlepiece decorations, and festive displays. They maintain colour throughout winter and beyond.

Permanent Bouquets

Create arrangements that last years, not days. Mix different everlastings with dried grasses, seed heads, and foliage for varied textures.

Wedding Flowers

Bridesmaids' bouquets, buttonholes, and table decorations made from everlastings can be kept as permanent mementoes of the special day.

Craft Projects

Use individual flowers for card-making, framed displays, potpourri, and decorative projects.

Natural Confetti

Separate dried petals to create beautiful, eco-friendly confetti that can be used repeatedly.

Storage and Longevity

Properly dried and stored everlasting flowers can last for many years:

• Store in dry, dark conditions
• Avoid humid environments which can cause mould
• Keep away from direct sunlight which fades colours
• Protect from crushing—store carefully or display on stems
• Dust gently with a soft brush when needed

Well-preserved Helichrysum can maintain vivid colour for 5-10 years or more. Acroclinium is slightly less durable but still lasts several years.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Seeds Not Germinating

• Temperature too low—needs 18-21°C
• Covered too deeply—seeds need some light
• Compost too wet or too dry
• Old seeds—viability declines after 2-3 years

Seedlings Dying After Germination

• Damping off from overwatering or poor ventilation
• Compost not sterile
• Move out of propagator once germinated

Plants Not Thriving After Planting Out

• Planted too early—frost damage or cold shock
• Insufficient hardening off
• Waterlogged soil—improve drainage
• Too shady—needs full sun

Plants Flowering Poorly

• Insufficient sunlight (minimum 6-8 hours needed)
• Over-feeding with nitrogen
• Too much water
• Planted too late in season

Flowers Shattering When Dried

• Harvested too late at full maturity
• Dried too quickly in excessive heat
• Handled roughly when fragile

Saving Seeds

Both Helichrysum and Acroclinium set seed readily, and you can save seeds for next year:

• Allow some late-season flowers to remain on plants
• Seed heads mature and turn brown
• Cut heads when completely dry and papery
• Place in paper bags in a warm, dry location
• Shake bags—seeds fall out as fluffy, chaffy material
• Separate seeds from chaff by winnowing gently
• Store in paper envelopes in cool, dry, dark place

Seeds remain viable for 2-3 years when stored properly.

Monthly Care Calendar

March-April: Sow seeds indoors in warmth. Germinate at 18-21°C. Grow on in bright, cool conditions.

May: Harden off plants gradually. Plant out after last frost (late May/early June). Install support for Helichrysum.

June-July: Maintain consistent moisture as plants establish. First flowers appear on early plantings. Begin harvesting.

July-August: Peak flowering period. Harvest regularly for drying. Water during dry spells. Feed lightly if needed.

September-October: Continue harvesting until first frosts. Pull up plants after they're killed by frost. Collect seed from selected plants.

Final Thoughts

Everlasting flowers offer something truly special to British gardeners—the ability to preserve summer's beauty in a tangible, lasting form. Whether you choose the bold, vibrant Helichrysum 'Swiss Giant' for maximum impact, the delicate, romantic Acroclinium for vintage charm, or both for varied textures and colours, you're growing flowers that will bring joy for years to come.

The key to success with everlastings in the UK lies in understanding their half-hardy nature and providing the warmth and sunshine they crave. Start seeds indoors, harden off carefully, wait for truly warm weather before planting out, and harvest at just the right stage. Follow these principles, and you'll be rewarded with armfuls of brilliant blooms that maintain their glory long after summer has passed.

There's profound satisfaction in cutting flowers from your garden, hanging them to dry, and creating arrangements that last through winter and beyond. Each dried bloom represents a captured moment of summer sunshine—a reminder during grey winter days that warmth and colour will return. And unlike fresh flowers that fade within days, your everlastings stand as permanent testaments to the beauty you've grown with your own hands.

For everything you need to create your own everlasting flower garden, including complete seed collections for drying, visit Bishy Barnabees Cottage Garden.

Written with love from our Norfolk flower farm, where we've been growing and drying everlasting flowers for generations.