Helichrysum bracteatum 'Dragon's Fire' is one of the most striking strawflowers you can grow, producing masses of deep burgundy-red blooms surrounding vibrant golden-yellow centres. The papery flowers catch the light beautifully and hold their colour exceptionally well, making them equally valuable in the garden, fresh bouquets and dried arrangements.
 
A prolific cut-and-come-again variety, Dragon's Fire flowers continuously throughout summer and into autumn, with each plant producing a generous supply of stems. The unusual combination of rich wine-red petals and bright golden centres adds warmth and depth to both garden borders and floral designs.
 
As with all strawflowers, the blooms can be harvested fresh for bouquets or cut at the half-open stage for drying, where they retain both their shape and colour for months. Easy to grow and highly productive, Dragon's Fire is a favourite amongst flower farmers, florists and gardeners looking for something a little different.
 
When to Sow: Jan - Apr

HOW TO SOW: 
Sow indoors  - Sow onto moist compost and cover with a light sprinkle soil - do not cover completely as light is needed for germination. Place under humidity lid to keep mosit. Ideal temp 22-24°C. 
Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle to individual pots and grow on before planting out into final position 20-30cm appart
 
Classification: Half Hardy Annual
Expert Level:  Easy to Grow
Germination Time: 1-2 Wks 
 
Flowering Time:Jul- Sep
Site: Full Sun Soil Type: Loam
Soil Acidity: All Types
Moisture: Well drained
Care: May need staking, Will repeat flower if cut or deadheaded. Cut deep into the plant for long stem re growth.
Use: Garden Borders, Cut flowers, Dried
Harvest : When flower heads are either closed fully open
 
Days to Maturity:  140-150 Days
Vase Life: 14 Days +
Height:80-100cm
Plant Spacing:  20cm