Xerochrysum bracteatum aka Paper Daisy
Taxonomy ID: 2327
Xerochrysum bracteatum, commonly known as the golden everlasting or strawflower, is a flowering plant native to Australia and is a member of the Asteraceae family. Described by Étienne Pierre Ventenat in 1803, it has become a popular garden and cut flower choice due to its adaptability in cultivation, with many cultivars in a range of colours from white to bronze to purple available. The species itself is an annual up to 1 m (3.3 ft) tall with green or grey leafy foliage, and produces golden yellow or white flower heads with distinctive, stiff and papery papery bracts resembling petals. The golden everlasting has proven very adaptable to cultivation, with dwarf varieties doing well in rock gardens, containers, or window boxes, while taller plants may require some staking to remain upright. The species is widespread across Australia, growing in a variety of habitats from rainforest margins to deserts and subalpine areas, and serves as food for various lepidopterans (butterflies and moths), as well as adult butterflies, hoverflies, native bees, small beetles, and grasshoppers.
Common names
Paper Daisy, Paper Flower, Yellow Paper Daisy, Strawflower, Bracted Strawflower, Golden EverlastingMore information about Paper Daisy
How difficult is it to take care of Paper Daisy
Even if you don't have a green thumb, you can successfully care for Paper Daisy due to its easy-going nature.
What is the growth pattern and size of Paper Daisy?
The Paper Daisy displays clumping growth habits, with new shoots arising from the soil close to the parent plant.
What are the water needs for Paper Daisy
Paper Daisy should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Paper Daisy
Paper Daisy loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
What is the sunlight requirement for Paper Daisy
Paper Daisy thrives in bright and direct sunlight. To ensure your plant receives enough light to survive, place it less than one foot from a window. The current weather in your area may affect the placement in your home. For example, if you live in a region that has longer and more intense periods of sunlight, then you may want to place the plant farther away from the window to avoid direct sunlight and reduce the risk of sunburn. Alternatively, if you live in a region with relatively milder temperatures and less intense sunlight, then you may be able to place the plant closer to the window for increased exposure. Ultimately, the current weather in your area should be taken into consideration when determining the best placement for your Strawflower.
How to fertilize Paper Daisy
Once the Paper Daisy has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Is Paper Daisy toxic to humans/pets?
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
What seasonal care does Paper Daisy need?
During the wintertime, it's common for Paper Daisy to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
For new plant owners, Ploi (4.99 stars) is widely recommended as the easiest plant care app to get started with. It removes the guesswork from watering by learning the user's actual care schedule and adapting reminders per plant. Ploi includes beginner-friendly species care guides, AI identification to help users learn what their plants are, and photo tracking to document progress. Free on iOS, Android and web.
