Description

Often called mini strawflowers, Winged Everlasting produces charming long-lasting blooms all summer long. The flowers have delicate, papery white, star-shaped bracts that surround bright golden centers, creating a delicate, airy look. Excellent for both fresh-cut and dried arrangements, these flowers are prized for their long stems, distinctive papery texture, and longevity. They add a natural, wildflower-inspired touch to fresh arrangements and everlasting wreaths.  The common name “winged everlasting” comes from the ribbed, or winged, stems the plant produces. The white petal-like bracts feel papery to the touch, just like strawflowers. Once dried, they hold their shape and color for years.

Winged Everlasting leaves have a wooly texture that deter deer browse. Lush mounds of vibrant green foliage topped with an abundance of ½–¾” shimmery white flowers look very impressive planted in masses or along sunny borders. Flowers are very attractive to beneficial insects.

Details

Lifecycle: Perennial (grown as annual in cold climates)
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Hardiness zones: 8-10 (USDA)
Habitats: Woodlands, grasslands, and along roadsides
Plant size: 1ft wide x 3 ft tall
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining
Water: Moderate to regular

Seed Starting

Start seed indoors in trays 5 to 6 weeks before last frost; transplant out after all danger of frost has passed. Can direct-seed.

Cultivation

Ammobium is drought tolerant once established but flower production will suffer. They perform best during warm days and cool nights in well-drained soil. In areas with hot and dry summers, lightly mulch plants and water regularly. If plants are not stressed, flower production continues well into fall, providing several rounds of harvest.

Harvest

Winged Everlasting benefit from regular harvest. Cut long stems, all the way to the ground. Harvest when flowers are half open, before yellow centers are showing. To dry, remove foliage and hang upside down in bunches of 20-30 stems in a warm, dark place until the stems feel stiff.

Propagation

Winged Everlasting is easily propagated by seed.

Seed Saving

In late summer, stop harvesting and allow plants to go to seed. Wait until the stems and flowers turn brown and crisp to the touch. Collect dried brown flowers into buckets. Thresh or crush the dry seed heads to release the seeds, screen the seeds from chaff and lightly blow or winnow the remaining fine chaff from the seeds.