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Craspedia glauca

bachelor's buttons

A short-lived evergreen perennial, forming a rosette of hairy, grey-green leaves. In summer it produces tight, spherical clusters of yellow flowers atop stiff stems to 40cm tall. Best grown in a rock garden, trough or alpine house

Other common names
common billy buttons
Synonyms
Craspedia richea
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Grey Silver
Summer Yellow Green Grey Silver
Autumn Green Grey Silver
Winter Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Craspedia can be annuals or perennials with simple, sometimes white-hairy leaves in basal rosettes and long-stalked, dense hemispherical flower-heads

Name status

Correct

Plant range
South Australia

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in sharply-drained, low-fertility, humus-rich, gritty soil in full sun; protect from excessive winter wet. Under glass, grow in a mix of equal parts loam, leaf mould and sharp sand, with a top-dressing of grit. Water freely when in growth (avoiding the foliage); keep just moist in winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed or division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Rock garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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