The following plants require fresh seeds for high germination. Our seeds have just been harvested.
Xerochrysum bracteatum
(Strawflowers)
My favourite Australian native. These papery flowers are capable of enduring high heat, perfect for our Australian summers. The flowers attract butterflies, moths and many other insects, providing an important food source for them. Annual or perennial growing to 80cm.
For best results, prune the growing tips regularly during establishment to encourage a bushy habit with more flower heads and reduce the likelihood of the plant stems becoming leafless and woody at the base. This plant grows best with regular watering. I had great success with growing mine is damp conditions. My plants are grown in rich humus soil so I do not require to fertilise them, however if you do wish to fertilise, ensure it is suited to Australian native plants. Remove the spent flower heads to promote more flowers and extend the flowering period. Prune back after flowering to encourage renewed bushy growth.
Excellent cut and dried flower. Pick flowers when they first open and hang them upside down until the stems dry out.
Sow seeds in autumn for cool areas. Seeds can be sown in both autumn and spring for warmer areas. Sprinkle seeds on top of potting mix and lightly cover with soil. Gently water and keep moist not wet. Ideal temperature for germination is 18 to 22C. Germination takes 7 to 14 days. Prick out each seedling once it has its first set of true leaves (which to most people look like its second leaves) and transplant into 10cm pots containing free-draining potting mix and grow them on in frost free conditions until large enough to plant outside. Seeds can also be direct sown. Spacing around 30cm.
Botanical Name: Xerochrysum bracteatum formerly known as Helichrysum bracteatum.
Mixed Seeds - Our mix contains seeds of the following colours - deep pink, soft pink, cream, white, soft yellow, bright yellow and burgundy.
Tube stock in various colours are currently growing for the upcoming tube stock sale.
Next release of seeds will have more single colours available.
Xerochrysum (Tube Stock)
A native from Western Australia. It is an annual growing to 50cm. The flowers are a delicate papery texture with a yellow centre. The flower heads appear mainly in spring and summer and are up to 30 mm in diameter. The flowers hang from thin stems creating a 'nodding' appearance. This is a low maintenance plant that is tolerant of poor soil conditions and drought. It is suited to most temperate areas.
Excellent cut and dried flower.
Seeds can be either direct sown on in pots from late autumn or early winter. Sprinkle the seeds over the top of the soil and water. Keep moist, and avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.. When coniditions are right, seeds will germinate in 7 to 14 days. Seedlings should be protected from frost . Plants should flower within 3 to 4 months from sowing. Good colour forms can also be grown from cuttings.
Also known as Australian Strawflower, Swan River Everlasting Daisy, Silver Bells, Pink Sunray or Mangles' Everlasting.
Orthrosanthus multiflorus is an Australian native tufted evergreen perennial that grows between 30–60 cm high. During the warmer months stunning blue flowers appear on long stems. It is a very easy to grow plant and tolerates a wide range of conditions. However, the soil must be well drained. It is ideal for mass plantings and under trees. This Australian native is at home in a traditional cottage garden as well. I have mine growing around my roses.
Seeds are sown in spring when temperatures are around 13-18C. Lightly cover the seeds with good quality potting mix. Water and keep the pot damp but not wet. Let the seedlings grow until around 10cm and then plant before winter. If the seedlings are not ready, then over winter them in their pots and plant out in spring after the danger of frost has passed.
Also known as Australian morning flower, Australian morning flag, Australian morning iris.
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