Tall Strawflower ‘Crimson Violet’ (Xerochrysum bracteatum) seeds

‘Crimson Violet’ combines rose-violet flower colours with a bright yellow centre

Tall Strawflower ‘Crimson Violet’ brings strong dark pink to rose-violet flowers with a striking yellow centre to sunny beds and also provides long stems for cutting gardens, floristry and dried bouquets.

The deep pink and violet tones give this variety a warm, expressive colour effect. In contrast, the large yellow centre makes each flower stand out clearly. The firm, papery bracts surround the actual small flower head and retain their shape and colour particularly well when dried. This makes ‘Crimson Violet’ suitable both for fresh summer bouquets and for wreaths, arrangements and long-lasting dried floristry.

The species Xerochrysum bracteatum originally comes from Australia. In horticulture, the older botanical name Helichrysum bracteatum is still frequently used, and Xeranthemum bracteatum is also found in historical sources. Strawflowers are among the classic everlastings. As early as the 19th century, they were valued as long-lasting dried flowers because their striking bracts remain decorative long after cutting.

‘Crimson Violet’ grows upright and reaches about 75 to 100 cm in height, depending on location and growing conditions. The strong stems make it a good cut flower for the garden. In the bed, it looks especially beautiful together with pale strawflowers, zinnias, grasses and other sun-loving summer flowers. For dried bouquets, the flowers are best cut when they are just opening or about half open. The stems are then hung upside down in an airy, dry and shaded place.