Pierrot Red Strawflower is a brilliant, heat-loving annual that brings papery-textured blooms in vivid red from midsummer through late fall. Growing to a tidy 18 inches tall with a 12-inch spread, this cultivar thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it exceptionally drought-tolerant. From seed to first flowers takes around 84 days, and it blooms reliably across zones 9 through 11, attracting pollinators throughout the growing season with its distinctive straw-like flowers.
Full Sun
Low
9-11
18in H x 12in W
—
Moderate
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Red strawflowers attract bees and butterflies with their papery blooms that dry naturally on the plant, extending their visual appeal well into fall. The compact 18-inch height and low water demands suit it to hot, dry gardens where many annuals struggle. Once established, this variety handles drought stress with remarkable resilience, yet still produces continuous color from June through November without deadheading.
Strawflowers are prized for dried flower arrangements, where their papery blooms retain color and structure long after cutting. The flowers can be harvested at peak bloom and hung to dry for winter bouquets and crafts, or left on the plant to dry in place for garden interest.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Sow seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last frost date. Surface sow the seeds and firm them lightly into the soil, then cover with a thin sprinkling of vermiculite. Light aids germination, so do not bury seeds deeply. Keep the soil at 65 to 75°F and expect sprouts to emerge within 7 to 21 days.
Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed. Space plants approximately 1 inch apart.
Direct sow seeds at the last frost date. Surface sow and firm lightly, allowing light to reach the seeds for germination.
Cut flowers for drying at peak bloom when the papery bracts are fully colored and feel crisp to the touch. Hang bundles upside down in a warm, dry location with good air circulation, or allow blooms to dry naturally on the plant for fall and winter garden interest.
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