Swiss Giants Blend
Swiss Giants Blend Strawflower is a showstopping cultivar of Xerochrysum bracteatum that brings the vibrant charm of alpine meadows to any sunny garden. These tall, architectural plants reach 36 to 40 inches and produce an enchanting mix of papery, everlasting flowers in a blend of warm tones that dry beautifully on the stem. Hardy in zones 8 to 10, this variety thrives in full sun and rewards gardeners with months of color from a single planting, both fresh and dried arrangements.
Full Sun
Low
8-10
40in H x 24in W
Annual
High
Hover over chart points for details
What sets Swiss Giants Blend apart is its exceptional height and the range of colors in each planting, creating a naturally varied display without needing multiple varieties. The flowers retain their vibrant hues and delicate texture long after drying, making them invaluable for florists and dried flower enthusiasts. These plants are tough enough to handle hot, sunny spots where other flowers wilt, yet they produce flowers with an almost delicate, papery quality that feels substantial in a vase or garden border.
Swiss Giants Blend Strawflower excels in cut flower arrangements, both fresh and dried. The papery blooms hold their color and form indefinitely when dried, making them a favorite for crafters and florists who need long-lasting arrangements. They're also grown as striking tall annuals in sunny borders where their height and abundance of flowers create strong vertical interest.
Start seeds indoors 6 to 10 weeks before your average last frost date for early spring planting. You can also start seeds in midsummer for fall blooming in both mild and cold climates. Sow on the soil surface or just barely press seeds into the growing medium, as they benefit from light. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until seedlings emerge.
Transplant seedlings outdoors 6 to 10 weeks after starting seeds indoors, once they've developed their first true leaves and the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 12 inches apart in full sun. In mild climates, you can also transplant midsummer-started seedlings in the fall for cool-season blooms.
Direct sow outdoors 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date in cold climates. In mild climates, direct sow in late summer for cool-season blooms. You can also sow 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost date for very early bloom or in midsummer for fall and spring flowers.
For fresh arrangements, cut flowers when the papery bracts are fully colored but before they become too papery and fragile. For drying, cut when the flowers are fully mature and the colors have fully developed. Hang bundles upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight, and they'll retain their color and texture for months or even years.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continuous blooming throughout the season. This also prevents the plant from setting seed and redirects energy into more flower production. For dried flowers, allow some blooms to remain on the plant but harvest before they shatter.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.