Also known as Strawflower · 73 saves
Helichrysum
Helichrysum, the genus most gardeners know as strawflower. We track 9 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 8 most-saved Helichrysum varieties
Browse all 9 Helichrysum varieties →
3 species of Helichrysum
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Helichrysum in Sow
Save the Helichrysum you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Helichrysum
Whats common across all Helichrysum varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 9 most-grown of them.
The Helichrysum year
- PlantApril, May, June, October and November56% of varieties
Plant transplants outdoors after all danger of frost has passed
- DeadheadJuly–October56% of varieties
Remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
- PruneMarch and September44% of varieties
Prune back hard in early spring to maintain shape and prevent legginess.
- Pinch TipsJune and July33% of varieties
Pinch growing tips when plants are 6-8 inches tall to encourage bushiness
- FertilizeJuly and August33% of varieties
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, especially for container plants
Do
- Use well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging
- Provide full sun for optimal flowering
- Water when topsoil feels dry 🌱
- Prune lightly after flowering to encourage new blooms
- Apply fertilizer monthly during active growth
Avoid
- Overwater, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Avoid heavy fertilization late in the season
- Don’t prune back into woody stems
What goes wrong with Helichrysum
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider mites | Fine webbing on the undersides of leaves and stippled, yellowing foliage under hot, dry conditions. | Blast the foliage with a sharp stream of water to dislodge mites, or apply insecticidal soap if the infestation persists. |
| Leaf spot | Dark spots on leaves | Remove infected leaves and apply fungicide |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing and speckled leaves | Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil |
| Root rot | Sudden wilting, yellowing, and collapse of the plant despite wet soil, with blackened, mushy roots. | Remove and discard affected plants; improve soil drainage or relocate remaining plants to a drier site. |
| Powdery mildew | White powder on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Fungal powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
Making more Helichrysum
Seed
- Sow seeds on the surface of moist, well-draining soil in spring
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist for germination
- Maintain temperature around 65-70°F for 2-3 weeks
- Transplant seedlings after they develop true leaves
Cuttings
- Take 4-inch cuttings from healthy stems in late spring
- Remove lower leaves and dip in rooting hormone
- Plant in moist, well-draining soil or perlite
- Keep humidity high for 2-3 weeks, mist regularly
Helichrysum questions
How many types of Helichrysum are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 9 distinct Helichrysum varieties. The most popular — ranked by 73 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Helichrysum grow in?
Across its varieties, Helichrysum covers USDA Zones 6–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Helichrysum bloom?
Most Helichrysum varieties bloom in mid-summer, summer, summer to fall. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Helichrysum should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.