For some reason I imagine the Ingalls from Little House on the Prairie growing this flower. I have no real reason to explain the association other than the fact that these daisy-like flowers surprisingly appear dried even when fresh on the stem: the flowers seem aged and vintage from the start.
Strawflower, Xerochrysum bracteatum
If your curiosity is piqued, read on: the strawflower is a cinch to grow so you can add this curious cutie to your own garden with ease.
Photograph by Melanie B. via Flickr.
Prized by gardeners who like unique, un-thirsty, and undemanding flowers, and by floral designers who want long-lasting cut flowers, strawflowers are a dependable annual or perennial (depending on where you live).
Native to Australia and in the Aster family, some strawflowers grow to about 15 inches high while taller varieties can soar to 5 feet.
At my local nurseries, I usually find the smaller varieties and have to buy the more stately ones (better for cutting because of the longer stems) through online resources.
As an interesting side note, because the flowers hold on to their shape and color long after being cut, strawflowers are said to symbolize immortality and are commonly known as ‘Everlasting’.
‘Cottage Yellow’, ‘Cottage Pink’ and ‘Cottage White’, all growing to only 12″ tall and wide.’King Size Raspberry Rose’ grows taller to 3′ tall and ‘Sultane Mix’ pumps out varying hues and grows to 36-40″ tall.