Xerochrysum bracteatum
Strohblume
Common names: Garden Strohblume, Immortelle
Photo: Harry Rose from Dungog, Australia · CC BY 2.0 · Source
This description was machine-translated.
Description
The Strohblume, or Xerochrysum bracteatum, is named for its papery, straw‑like bracts that fan out in bright yellow, orange, red, and white. It is a classic dried flower that retains its color for months. From July until frost, it is a popular source of nectar for bees and a frequent cut‑flower supplier.
Care instructions
Start the plant in March on a windowsill, then transplant after the last frost (mid‑May, week 20) to a sunny, warm spot. Water moderately, avoid waterlogging. For dried bouquets, cut the flowers as soon as the outer bract circle opens and hang them upside down to dry.
Soil & site
Soil pH
Soil type
sandy, loamy, well-drained, lean
Feeding
Light feeder
Companion planting
Good neighbors
carrot family (Apiaceae)
Calendula and Tagetes next to carrots keep the carrot fly away with their scent.
For example Carrotcelery rootDillParsleyCarrot fennelCoriander and 19 more species in the catalogue
Source: classic companion planting (DACH-Gartenpraxis)
Rather not
nightshade family (Solanaceae)
Sunflowers release substances into the soil that inhibit potato tuber growth, and they also compete for water and nutrients.
For example PotatoTomatoSweet pepperCocktail tomatoEggplantCape gooseberry and 9 more species in the catalogue
Source: basic crop-rotation rule
Companion planting is partly traditional gardening lore. Where the reason is known, it is given.
Some of these explanations were machine-translated.
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