This Australian flower is often called Acroclinium in the seed catalogues, but its proper latin name is Helipterum. The strawy-petalled, Daisy-like flowers are borne on slender stems, and they belong to a group of ‘everlasting’ flowers which can be cut and dried for winter decoration. The blooms may be single, semi-double or double.
VARIETIES: You will usually find Acroclinium offered as ‘Large-flower Mixed’ – such seed packets contain A. roseum grandiflorum and will provide a fine display of white and rose-pink flowers. Other species are less common – A. humbold-tianum (yellow), A. roseum (rose) and A. manglesii (white and red). Cut stems for drying before flowers are fully open.
SITE & SOIL: Any well-drained garden soil will do – thrives best in full sun.
PLANT DETAILS: Height 15 in. Spacing 6 in. Flowering period July – September.
PROPAGATION: Dislikes root disturbance. Sow seeds in April where they are to flower. Thin to required spacing.