Strawflower 'Acroclinium Mixed' Seeds

Unlike the heavy, chunky Strawflowers (Bracteantha), the Acroclinium is a delicate, refined beauty. It produces daisy-like blooms with crisp, papery petals in shades of soft pink, bright rose, and pure white, contrasting beautifully with a striking yellow or black centre.

The magic of this plant is in the touch. Even when growing in the garden, the flowers feel dry and crinkly, like high-quality tissue paper. They are the darlings of the dried flower world, retaining their shape and vibrant colour for years after harvesting, allowing you to keep a piece of summer on your mantelpiece all winter long.

Why Your Garden Needs 'Acroclinium'

We love this plant for its nostalgic appeal. It reminds us of traditional Victorian flower pressing and cottage crafts. It is incredibly easy to grow and very productive; the more you cut for your vases, the more stems the plant will send up.

It is also "solar-powered." The flowers are highly reactive to light, opening wide in the sunshine to reveal their centres and closing up tight in the evening or during rain to protect their pollen.

Understanding the Plant: What is a Hardy Annual?

Acroclinium is a Hardy Annual.

It completes its life cycle in one season.
The Strategy: While it can withstand a little cold, it dislikes wet roots. It is best sown in spring once the soil has started to warm up for a rapid display in summer.
Top Tip: Harvest at the right time! For the best dried flowers, cut the stems when the bud is only half-open. They will continue to open as they dry. If you cut them when fully open, the center may turn brown or the petals might reflex backwards.

Growing Guide: How to Sow and Grow

These are fuss-free plants that thrive on neglect.

🌱 Germination:
Sow directly outdoors in April-May, or indoors in March-April. Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil and **cover very lightly** (they need a little light to germinate). Germination takes 7-14 days at approx 18-20°C.

Where to Sow:
They demand full sun (remember, they won't open in the shade!). They prefer sandy, free-draining soil. If you have heavy clay, grow them in raised beds or containers.

Care While Growing:
These plants are naturally adapted to dry conditions. Water them while they establish, but do not overwater mature plants. Tall stems may need support with some twiggy sticks in windy gardens to keep them straight for cutting.

Plant Specifications

Here is a quick reference guide to the key features.

My Recommended Garden Companions

Create a dedicated "Dried Flower Patch" by planting Acroclinium with other species that preserve perfectly:

• 🌈 Statice 'Mixed': The perfect partner. While Acroclinium offers delicate pinks and whites, Statice provides the bold blues, purples, and yellows. Both dry incredibly well and last for years.
• 🌕 Scabiosa 'Drumstick': For textural contrast. The flat, daisy shape of the Acroclinium looks stunning alongside the spherical, papery globes of the Drumstick Scabious.

📅 Sowing & Flowering Calendar

Sow in spring. Harvest for drying in summer.

(↔️ Swipe chart to see all months)