Granvia Red Flame

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Asteraceae or Compositae

Order

Asterales

Genus

Xerochrysum

Species

bracteatum

Description

Ornamental herbaceous plant characterised by its spring-summer inflorescences of papery consistency and texture, with different glossy colours depending on the variety. Suitable for terraces and balconies as well as for gardens in beds or borders, also in mixed compositions with other ornamentals. Easy to grow, it requires regular watering and bright exposure.

Variety description

The main characteristic of helicrisium is that the flowers look like paper and therefore do not wither for a long time. Arrangements of cut flowers can be made that last a long time before they change colour.

Curiosities and special features

The name of the botanical genus derives from the Greek xerÏs meaning dry or dried, and from chrýseos meaning golden in reference to the papery-looking and often shiny bracts of the inflorescences. The species X. bracteatum is distinguished by its long-lasting inflorescences which, when dried by hanging upside down in a dark, cool environment, retain their bright colours and become perfect for dry flower arrangements.

Origin and distribution

A native Australian species, now present in a wide European range with varieties that differ mainly in the colour shade of the inflorescences.

Flower size

The flower individually is medium small, lending elegance to the flowering.

Leaf

The leaves have a wedge-shaped base lamina.

Flowering period

It blooms from early spring to summer for a duration of 70 to 120 days, bringing light and colour to your outdoor green spaces for a long time.

Leaf colour

Solid-coloured, in perfect colour balance with the shade of the inflorescences.

Plant height

The plant height varies from 0.3 to 0.6 m, ideal for creating homogenous and compact groups as well as in mixed compositions with other ornamental plants of different development, creating perspective views with high landscape value.

Lifespan

Herbaceous cultivated as an annual.

Where to plant

Versatile, it is suitable for adding colour and elegance to flowerbeds, planters, outdoor tubs.

Stem

The stem is herbaceous; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is semi-double, medium to small in size, with a gamopetalous corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized top inflorescences. It flowers from early spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 70 and 120 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

Variety with medium to vigorous growth.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is globular, ideal for formally proportioned compositions.

Branching

It developsabundant branching.

PH

It prefers a soil or substrate pH between 5.7 and 6.5.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting into the bed, carry out 20/30 cm deep digging, removing any weeds, previous crop residues and bulky pebbles. Spread professional quality substrate about 5/10 cm on the surface and carefully level.

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Sun exposure

Suitable for exposure in half shade, full sun. For best flowering ensure optimum light.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between 5 and 35 °C. It prefers Mediterranean-type climates.

Use

The particularity of the inflorescences gives it a primary role in:

Outdoor ornamental

Hardiness

Variety of medium hardiness.

Soil

It prefers a peaty, well-draining soil; for use in planters and pots, a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite is recommended.

Difficulty

The easy cultivation and low level of management effort add further value to the variety.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation guidelines for better vegetative growth and lush flowering:

At least 10 hours of daylight Expose the plant to maximum light Always keep the substrate moist

Combinations with other plants

Ideal for compact and colourful ornamental compositions, also associated with blooms with different heights in order to create perspective views; colour combinations can include shades of the same hue or an alternation by choosing from the different varieties available, composing designs or patterns according to personal fantasy. Colour spots or simple borders can be formed with other species such as Achillea, Anthirrinum, Cineraria maritima, Santolina chamaecyparissus, Verbena bonariensis . Prior to planting, apply a correct design plan by arranging the chosen species in relation to their height and developed habit according to a suitable planting density.

Planting

For planting in flowerbeds, apply an average density of 10 plants per square metre in order to ensure proper development of the root and aerial apparatus of each specimen, resulting in a harmonious and proportionate final composition.

Propagation

Propagation can be by apical cuttings and from seed.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with an optimal sub-acidic pH, either manually or by means of an irrigation system. Immediately after transplanting intervene with balanced supplies free from saturation conditions and assist the seedling in the early stages of development in the new planting site. Afterwards, apply water directly to the pot, allowing the substrate or soil to dry slightly after each watering, but avoiding dryness. It is also advisable not to overdo the water supply in order to prevent stagnation, which can encourage the development of fungal diseases and subsequent root rot. Always check the soil moisture level before watering. Severe water stress causes yellowing of the basal leaves, and sudden changes in water supply promote the development of powdery mildew, yellowing and defoliation of the plant.

Fertilising

Following proper establishment in the new planting site, during the spring-summer period, apply a balanced, specific fertiliser for ornamental plants to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be distributed liquid, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without wetting the vegetation. Poor fertilisation can impair the plant's development with stunted and yellowed growth, but care should be taken as it is a species that fears over-fertilisation, particularly in conjunction with water stress.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible Species.

Tip

For an abundant and prolonged flowering and Keep the plant well watered at all times with constant periodic fertilisation. The flowers can be recovered after the plant has finished flowering by drying them and hanging them up.