Helichrysum bracteatum is the best known and perhaps the best of all the perennial flowers. It's a staple of cut flower growers, producing tall, vigorous branching plants covered in large paper flowers.

Large 5cm (2in) wide purple-red blooms are held atop a strong, multi-branched bright green stem. The flowers are perfect for cutting, have a silky smooth sheen and are showy at all stages, from bud to full open.


Helichrysum bracteatum grows to about 3 feet (90 cm) in height. They are easy to cultivate and established plants do well with little to no attention. The flowers bloom from midsummer until frost, they prefer a position in full sun and will do well in poor to average soil. They tolerate heat and drought conditions and they can survive light frosts.

In a greenhouse, the plants will bloom non-stop from ten weeks after sowing and will continue to flower until frost hits them in late fall.


Helichrysum makes one of the best subject matter for floral arrangements, besides being useful for beds and borders. They are also excellent dried flowers, the wispy flowers provide excellent natural color.

It is known as 'eternal' because the flowers will last indefinitely when dried. Neither the color nor the shape will last forever.