Xeranthemum annuum

RHS Plant Profile
annual everlasting

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annual everlasting Dorling Kindersley 2003

Other common names

common everlasting

Annual Biennial
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a slender annual with grey-green, linear leaves and daisy-like everlasting flowers 4cm across, in white or shade of pink and red, in summer and autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Xeranthemum are erect annuals with narrow, woolly leaves, and daisy-like flower-heads with papery bracts; suitable for dried flower arrangements
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Provide light support on exposed sites. Cut flowers for drying before they have fully opened and dry upside down in a well ventilated area

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 16°C in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Gravel garden
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Cut flowers

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free