Strawflower 'Dragon Fire'

Dragon Fire (Helichrysum bracteatum)

Also known as Everlasting Flower

Dragon Fire blazes with deep, velvety purple petals framing sunny yellow centres, a striking contrast that commands attention in any garden or bouquet. Unlike some varieties, these blooms hold their rich colours steadily from bud to full maturity, ensuring a consistent splash of dramatic colour throughout the season.

The papery double flowers open fully beneath the sun and fold gently inward during cooler hours, their sturdy stems supporting abundant clusters. Perfect for adding bold depth to fresh or dried arrangements, Dragon Fire pairs beautifully with cream-coloured blooms, soft greens, and dusty blue accents for a richly textured palette.

DETAILS:

QTY: 50

TYPE: Annual

SITE: Full Sun

DEPTH: Surface

GERMINATION: 7-10 days at 21-24°C

HEIGHT: 36-42”

MATURITY: 80-90 Days

SPACING: 10 -12”

PINCH: Yes

HOW TO GROW:

Transplant (recommended): Sow seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before your last expected frost date. Lightly press seeds into the surface of a seed starting mix; cover only with a very fine layer of vermiculite or soil, as light is required for germination. To avoid burying the seeds, bottom water or mist the containers. Once seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves, you can transplant them into larger containers. Harden off seedlings for 7–10 days before transplanting them outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.

Direct Sowing (alternative): Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed. Lightly rake the seeds into the soil surface and keep the area consistently moist until germination. Transplanting is the more reliable method for achieving earlier blooms.

Pinching and Deadheading: To encourage a bushier plant with more flowers, pinch the tops of young plants when they are about 6–8 inches tall. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the season will promote new blooms and extend the flowering period.

Soil Preference and Watering: Helichrysum thrives in full sun and requires well-drained soil. It is highly adaptable and can tolerate poor to average soil conditions. Avoid overly rich soil, as this can lead to tall, floppy growth. Water consistently during germination and establishment. Once mature, strawflower is quite drought-tolerant and prefers to be on the dry side.

Fertilizing: Fertilizing is not typically necessary for strawflowers. If your soil is very poor, a single application of a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer or a layer of compost at planting time is sufficient. Too much nitrogen can cause weak stems.

Harvesting: For fresh-cut flowers, harvest when the blooms are fully open. For drying, which is their most popular use, cut the stems when the first 2–3 rows of papery petals have opened but before the flower is completely unfurled. Hang bunches of stems upside down in a dark, well-ventilated area for 2–3 weeks until completely dry.