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
Fall Mini Course
Learn how to successfully dig, divide & store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year
In our free, three-part video series, you’ll learn how and when to dig up your dahlia tuber clumps, how to divide dahlias to multiply your stock, and how to successfully store dahlias for an abundance of blooms year after year.
