Annuals & Biennials

Helipterum
Swan River everlasting

- Height 1-2 ft (30-60 cm)
- Planting distance 6 in (15 cm)
- Flowers midsummer to early fall
- Any well-drained soil
- Sunny site
- Hardy annual

These hardy everlastings are now classified as members of the genera Acroclinium, Pteropogon, and Rhodanthe but are still commonly listed in catalogs under their traditional name. They make enchanting contributions to herbaceous borders, rock gardens, and bedding displays. The daisylike flowers have a strawlike texture, which makes them ideal for drying. They are easily grown plants, reveling in poor soil and full sun and tolerating exposure to winds and sea spray.

Popular species and cultivars
helipterum humboldtianum (now Pteropogon humboldtianum) grows 11/2 ft (45 cm) tall and has erect flower stems with narrow, pointed leaves that are silvery green and woolly. From midsummer to early fall the stems are crowned with fragrant clusters of golden yellow flowers, which turn green after drying. Helipterum manglesii (now Rhodanthe manglesii), up to 15 in (38 cm) tall, erect and wiry stems sparsely set with oblong gray-green leaves and topped with a single red or white, yellow-eyed daisy flower. The flowering season extends from midsummer to early fall. Cultivars include 'Mixed,' to 1 ft (30 cm) tall, of compact growth and with a mass of carmine, pink, rose, or white flowers. There is also a separate 'Rose' color. Helipterum roseum (now Acroclinium roseum) grows 15 in (38 cm) tall; it resembles H. mangesii but bears semidouble rose colored flowers in mid- and late summer. The grandiflorum varieties are 1-11/2 ft (30-45 cm) high and have double flowers in pink, red, or white, with yellow or black centers. The seed strain is available as a mixture or as single colors of red, rose, and white. 'Sensation Giants' bear large pink to deep rose flowers with bright yellow centers on long, sturdy stems and are exceptionally floriferous.

Annuals
and
Biennials