Pink paper daisy

Sun

Full sun; flowers open best in bright sunlight.

Water

Water regularly during establishment, then moderately as the soil dries. Avoid persistently wet soil.

Soil

Well-drained sandy or loamy soil, preferably of low to moderate fertility; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground.

Height

1-2 ft (0.3-0.6 m)

Spread

0.7-1 ft (0.2-0.3 m)

Flowers

Pink or white papery bracts surrounding yellow centres; usually spring in mild Australian climates, and summer into early autumn from spring sowing in cooler regions.

Foliage

Narrow, soft green leaves on slender, branching stems.

Growth

Fast; flowers within one growing season.

Care needed

Low

• Pollinators
• Low allergen

Northern hemisphere months. In Australia, shift them by six.

Difficulty

Easy

Toughness

Fairly tough

Pick your zone, country, light and whether you have pets.

1. Planting day

   0.5 ft (0.15 m)

2. After 1 year

   1.5 ft (0.45 m)

   full size

Full size in one season.

From a typical nursery size, at an average rate for this kind of plant. A rule of thumb, not a forecast.

Cats and dogs

Safe

Native to

Australia

Growth rate

Fast

• Thin seedlings to about 8-12 in (20-30 cm) apart to allow airflow.
• Water seedlings gently and keep their root zone moist until established.
• Once established, water during dry spells rather than keeping the soil constantly damp.
• Avoid rich manure and heavy nitrogen feeding, which encourage floppy growth.
• Use discreet twig supports if plants lean in exposed positions.

Pruning. Remove faded flower heads regularly to prolong flowering, or leave a few to ripen for seed. Pull up plants once flowering and seed collection are finished.

Autumn

In mild-winter Australian regions, sow directly into a sunny, well-drained bed for spring flowers.

Early spring

In cold-winter regions, sow in modules under cover about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost.

Late spring

Harden off young plants and plant out after hard frosts; alternatively, sow directly once the soil begins to warm.

Spring

Thin autumn-sown seedlings and keep developing plants free of competing weeds.

Summer

Water spring-sown plants during dry spells and remove spent flower heads.

Late summer

Save fully ripe seed from spring-sown plants on a dry day, then clear plants when they finish.

• Sow in loose drifts through sunny annual borders for a soft pink-and-white display.
• Combine with blue flowers and fine grasses in informal cottage planting.
• Use in seasonal Australian native beds with other annual everlastings.
• Grow in a dedicated cutting patch for fresh arrangements and dried flowers.
• Plant in sunny containers with free-draining compost and regular watering.

Garden styles it suits: Australian native, Cottage garden, Wildflower, Pastel border, Dry gravel garden and Pollinator garden.

Plant it with: Swan River daisy, Cornflower, California poppy, Love-in-a-mist, Billy buttons and Strawflower.

Wildlife: Open flower heads provide pollen and nectar for small bees, hoverflies and other visiting insects.

• Seedlings collapse in wet compost: use clean containers, free-draining seed compost and restrained watering.
• Slugs and snails eat young plants: inspect at dusk, remove hiding places and protect seedlings with suitable barriers or locally approved controls.
• Aphids gather on soft shoots: dislodge small colonies with water and encourage natural predators.
• Tall stems flop or flower poorly in shade or rich soil: move future sowings into full sun, reduce feeding and provide light support where needed.

Not known to be toxic to people, cats, dogs or horses, but species-specific safety information is limited. No particular toxic part is established; it is ornamental rather than edible, so discourage eating it.

• Strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum)

  Usually has larger, more substantial flower heads, broader leaves and sturdier stems; its colour range includes strong yellow, orange and red.

• Mangles' everlasting (Rhodanthe manglesii)

  Has broader, often grey-green leaves that clasp the stems, with smaller flower heads on fine stalks that often nod in bud.

• Hoary sunray (Leucochrysum albicans)

  A perennial with conspicuously woolly, silvery foliage and usually white or yellow papery flower heads, rather than the soft green foliage of pink paper daisy.

Rhodanthe comes from Greek words meaning rose and flower, while chlorocephala means green-headed.

Propagation. Grow from seed, preferably sown directly where it will flower, or in modules to minimise root disturbance. Cover seed lightly with fine soil and keep moist until germination. Autumn sowing suits mild-winter climates; spring sowing suits cold-winter regions.

Accepted botanical name

Rhodanthe chlorocephala

In the US and Canada

Introduced in the lower 48 states.

Native range

South Australia and Western Australia.

Sources: GBIF (CC BY 4.0), USDA PLANTS and Trefle (CC BY 4.0). The care and design notes are LandscapeGPT's own.