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

  1. Keep cool at all times.
  2. Strip leaves from the bottom half of each stem and wash thoroughly.
  3. Recut at least 2 cm off each stem and place in water immediately.
  4. Always use a preservative as this will help buds to open.
  5. Replace vase water with fresh preservative every 2 to 3 days.
  6. 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