Everlastings
$5.99
Rhodanthe Chlorocephala var Rosea
- Seed Count 1000
- Long Lasting
- Annual
In stock
Description
Flowering from late spring until the first frost, Everlastings provide long-lasting colour in your garden.
With their papery blooms that defy time and drought they also hold their colour and shape when dried, making them beautiful for long-lasting dried flower arrangements.
These hardy annuals demand little: they thrive in poor, well-drained soils, bask in full sun, and ask only for occasional rain, their roots storing moisture against arid days.
Once established, they reward growers with a profusion of blooms that sway in the breeze.
Their nectar-rich blossoms are lifelines for pollinators—bees, butterflies, and native insects—that dart among the flowers, sustaining biodiversity.
As the blooms mature, they transition into enduring seed heads, offering winter forage for birds.
These plants are pillars of water-wise gardening and they are able to regenerate degraded soils helping to prevent erosion.
In a world grappling with climate uncertainty, they offer a pragmatic yet poetic solution: gardens that are both drought-defiant and alive with color.
| Method: Sow direct | Soil Temp: 6°C - 24°C |
| Cool Mountain: Aug - Dec | Position: Full sun |
| Arid: Aug - Dec | Row Spacing: 3 cm apart |
| Temperate: May to Sep | Planting Depth: Surface |
| Sub Tropical: Apr - Nov | Harvest: 80 Days |
| Tropical: Not recommended | Plant Height: 50 cm |
Seed Preparation
Seeds:
- No smoke treatment required.
Sowing Time:
- Spring or early summer.
- Soil temp 18–22°C.
- In frost free zones, autumn sowing works.
Soil & Site
Soil:
- Well-draining, sandy/loamy.
- pH 6.0–7.0 (neutral to slightly acidic).
Sunlight:
- Full sun (6+ hours daily).
Preparation:
- Remove weeds, loosen soil.
- Add compost if heavy but avoid rich soils.
Sowing Seeds
Direct Sowing:
- Light aids germination.
- Mix seeds with damp sand for even distribution.
- Scatter seeds, press lightly (no cover).
Seed Trays:
- Use biodegradable pots to avoid root disturbance.
- Transplant after 4–6 weeks.
Germination & Early Care
Timing:
- For 2–3 weeks keep soil moist.
- Mist to avoid dislodging seeds.
Thinning:
- Keep strongest seedlings at 30–40 cm spacing.
Watering
Germination:
- Light, consistent moisture.
Established Plants:
- Deep, infrequent watering (1–2 x weekly).
- Drought tolerant once mature.
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot.
Fertilising
- Use low phosphorus, native specific fertiliser monthly in growing season.
Maintenance
Pruning:
- Pinch tips for bushiness.
- Deadhead to prolong blooms.
Pests:
- Aphids/spider mites—use neem oil or introduce ladybugs.
Harvesting & Drying
Harvest:
- Cut stems when buds begin to open.
Drying:
- Hang upside down in dark, dry, ventilated area for 2–3 weeks.
Companion Planting Guide
Benefits:
- Repel aphids, attract beneficial insects.
- Boost biodiversity.
- Improve drainage, reduce evaporation.
Recommended Companions:
- Kangaroo Paw. Shared drought tolerance; structural contrast.
- Grevillea. Attracts pollinators and is nitrogen fixing.
- Chrysocephalum. Ground cover and retains soil moisture.
- Prostanthera. Repels pests with aromatic foliage.
- Westringia. Windbreak and stabilizes soil.
- Swan River Daisy. Attracts ladybugs and suppresses weeds
Avoid Planting With:
- Water loving plants to reduce the risk of overwatering.
- Tall, dense shrubs that block sunlight.
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