strawflower

Strawflower (Helichrysum heldreichii) requires moderate amounts of water to grow and thrive, but is highly susceptible to root rot when overwatered. Most plants of this species should be watered whenever the top inch of soil is dry to the touch; however, this should be reduced during the winter months. If you are growing this plant in a pot, use a moisture meter to ensure it is receiving the proper amount of water. In addition, be sure to keep any standing water away from the plant’s base. During the summer months, you may need to water more frequently, depending on the humidity and other conditions. In all cases, do not allow the soil to become soggy.

Strawflower (Helichrysum heldreichii) plants thrive in full sunlight, but hours of exposure will vary depending on the season. During the spring and summer months, they need approximately 8-10 hours of direct sunlight each day. During the fall and winter months, however, they do not need as much direct sunlight and should be exposed to about 5-6 hours of sunlight. Additionally, it is important to give the plants some shade during the hottest part of the day (approximately between 11am and 2pm) to protect them from the intense midday sun and potential sunburn.

Pruning a strawflower (Helichrysum heldreichii) is best done in late winter or early spring, when the plant is starting to come out of dormancy. The plant should be carefully pruned back to encourage bushier growth, and to maintain the desired shape. All of the plant’s dead and wilted foliage should be removed to prevent pests from taking residence in the plant. Prune back any overly lanky stems, leaving no more than 2-3 inches of stem or foliage on each branch. Pruning can also be done in late summer to remove any fading flowers, which will help the plant to focus its energy on continued growth until its next flowering period in the following spring.