HELICHRYSUM. Strawflower. Widely distributed, especially in South Africa and Australia. A diverse group including annuals, perennials and shrubs. They have conspicuous rows of bracts which surround the flower heads. These are chaffy in texture and hold their shape and often their color when dried. Sun, well drained soil, moderate to little watering when established. Hardiness varies.

bracteatum. Australia. The species itself is often annual, and usually erect in growth. ‘Diamond Head’, however, is a prostrate perennial, making a dense, low mound. The 1½" to 3" leaves are narrow, dark green and fuzzy. Nestled among them in summer are many 1" flower heads of golden yellow. ‘Dargan Hill Monarch’ is a more robust selection, growing 2' or more tall, with stout stems and large, greyish green leaves. The rich golden yellow flower heads measure over 3" across. Hardy to around 20^oF.

petiolare (petiolatum). A sprawling but thickly branched shrub, forming mounds about 2' tall and usually 4-6' broad. Both the stems and the undersides of the leaves are covered with dense white wool. Clusters of small creamy yellow strawflowers dot the plant in summer. A tough and attractive bank and ground cover. The selection ‘Variegatum’ is identical to the typical form except for broad, pale yellow leaf margins. ‘Limelight’ has light yellow new growth shading to chartreuse as the leaves mature. It is best in a more protected spot, with afternoon shade. Hardy to 20^oF or less, in spite of its rather tender leaves.