Ammobium alatum
everlasting sandflower
A half-hardy annual to a height of around 60cm, with pale green, narrow oval leaves with a white downy coating. Single, silvery-white, daisy-like double flowers with prominent bright yellow centres appear on upright green, winged stems from June through to September. Ideal for cutting and for using in dried flower arrangements. Attracts bees, hoverflies and predatory wasps
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Genus
Ammobium are upright annuals, usually grown as annuals, with simple, white-hairy leaves, and stiff, winged stems bearing clusters of papery everlasting flowerheads to 2.5cm across, in summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in preferably sandy, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Water during dry periods, but avoid over-watering as will not tolerate wet soils
Propagation
Sow indoors into moist but well-drained, peat-free compost and keep at 15°C until germination, which is generally in around 10 to 15 days. Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle and grow on, hardening off in a cold frame or greenhouse before planting out in a sheltered, sunny position in moist but well-drained soil when the risk of frost has passed. Prefers a sandy, humus-rich soil, but will cope with most soils as long as they are well-drained
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildflower meadow
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead spent flower heads to encourage more. Remove and compost at the end of the season
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free but may be susceptible to rots and fungal diseases if roots become waterlogged
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