Strawflower ‘Dragon Fire’
Bracteantha bracteata
Description
Also known in the trade as ‘Purple Red’
A versatile and textural addition to the cutting garden, strawflower can be used both fresh and dried for use in fall bouquets and wreaths. Deep rich wine-colored double flowers ride atop long, strong stems and bloom from midsummer to frost. Also known as everlasting flowers, the color and shape of these papery blooms will last indefinitely when dried. Pollinators love them.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed requires light to germinate, so do not cover. Bottom-water until seedlings emerge.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the flowers are half open and before they are pollinated. Expect a vase life of 7 days or more. To dry, remove foliage and hang upside down in a warm, dark place until firm.
Details
Description
Also known in the trade as ‘Purple Red’
A versatile and textural addition to the cutting garden, strawflower can be used both fresh and dried for use in fall bouquets and wreaths. Deep rich wine-colored double flowers ride atop long, strong stems and bloom from midsummer to frost. Also known as everlasting flowers, the color and shape of these papery blooms will last indefinitely when dried. Pollinators love them.
Details
Plant type: annual
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Height: 36 to 42 in
Site: full sun
Days to maturity: 80 to 90 days
Plant spacing: 9 in
Pinch: not necessary
Seed Sowing & Growing Notes
Start seed indoors in trays 6 weeks before last frost. Transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Seed requires light to germinate, so do not cover. Bottom-water until seedlings emerge.
Harvesting/Vase Life
Harvest when the flowers are half open and before they are pollinated. Expect a vase life of 7 days or more. To dry, remove foliage and hang upside down in a warm, dark place until firm.
Sources
How to Grow
Sources
How to Grow
Winter Mini Course: Seed-Starting 101
Learn how to start flowers from seed in this three-part video series
In our upcoming Winter Mini Course, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully start flowers from seed, including all of the necessary supplies, step-by-step instructions, special tips and tricks, and how to create a simple indoor seed-starting area.
