Everlasting Daisy
General Description/History
Everlastings are annual flowers that are endemic to WA and make up a large part of the spectacular wildflower display that occur every spring. The name is a reference to the fact that they make excellent dried flowers, and do seem to last forever. Stem lengths are usually short and less than 50 cm. Flowers are typically daisy-like and consist of red, pink or white papery bracts surrounding a yellow centre. Yellow everlastings are most commonly Schoenia filifolia which have pale yellow star-shaped flowers, or Xerochrysum bracteatum, which have more rounded flowers with many more petals, and a darker yellow colour. There are also white and red forms of Xerochrysum bracteatum. Rhodanthe flowers are usually R. chlorocephala, and are up to 6 cm across, pink or white with a prominent yellow centre, and have many papery bracts.
Everlastings are either harvested from the bush or grown in the field. Most are grown in WA.
What to look for
- Buy when flowers are fully open and buds are showing strong colour.
- Avoid bunches with shrivelled flowers and yellowing leaves.
Flower Care
- Keep cool at all times.
- Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem and wash thoroughly.
- Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
- Always use a preservative as this will help buds to open.
- Replace vase water with fresh preservative every 2 to 3 days.
- To dry, hang upside down in a well ventilated room.
Interesting Facts about this Flower
The name Rhodanthe is derived from the Greek words ‘rhodon’, rose and anthos, flower.
Botanical Name: Rhodanthe species, Schoenia filifolia, Xerochrysum bracteatum
Common Names: Everlasting Daisy
Stem Length: 30 to 50 cm
Country of Origin: Australia: WA
Available Colours: Pink, Red, White, Yellow
Season: Summer,Winter,Spring
Availability: January,February,August,September,October,November,Decemeber