Overview

Xerochrysum bracteatum 'Fire Ball' is a bushy, columnar upright annual biennial in the genus Xerochrysum, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Xerochrysum bracteatum 'Fire Ball' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, cut flowers and flower borders and beds.

About

Xerochrysum bracteatum, commonly known as the golden everlasting or strawflower, is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to Australia. Described by Étienne Pierre Ventenat in 1803, it was known as Helichrysum bracteatum for many years before being transferred to a new genus Xerochrysum in 1990.

About the genus

Xerochrysum is a genus of flowering plants native to Australia. It was described by Russian botanist Nikolai Tzvelev in 1990, preceding Bracteantha which was described the following year.

Wikipedia contributors, "Xerochrysum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Xerochrysum

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Xerochrysum

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam

Soil pH

Neutral, Alkaline

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Xerochrysum bracteatum 'Fire Ball' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Annual Biennial

Habit

Bushy, Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Cut flowers, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Xerochrysum bracteatum 'Fire Ball'

Propagation

Seed sown at 18°C in spring; self-seeds, so harvest these or dig up seedlings and grow on

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to downy mildews

Frequently asked questions