XERANTHEMUM

Xeranthemum annuum is a flowering plant species also known as annual everlasting or immortelle. It is native to eastern Europe and western Asia, is cultivated as a garden flower, and has become naturalised in other parts of Europe.

If you enjoy cutting and preserving flowers, Xeranthemum is a must for your garden. The flowers are attractive, easily grown, and they are one of the most popular everlasting flowers available. Xeranthemum flowers are papery-textured, double daisy flowers in white, pink and violet and measure 4 cm across. They are excellent for drying.

For the earliest blooms, start Xeranthemum seeds indoors in the late winter using small peat pots. For areas with a long growing season, Immortelle seeds can be sown directly outside in a prepared seedbed. Cover the Immortelle flower seed lightly with soil and keep moist. Once established, the plants are fairly drought tolerant. For drying, cut the flowers in the morning when the bloom is just beginning to open. Hang in bunches upside down in a well-ventilated room.

This post is part of the Wordless Wednesday meme,

and also part of the ABC Wednesday meme,

and also part of the Nature Notes meme.