Helichrysum 'Ruby Cluster'
USPPAF, COPF
"Straw Flower"

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BENEFITS
With most plants, gardeners eagerly await the opening of the buds into their final, full-flowered form. Not so in the case of 'Ruby Cluster', whose buds are as attractive and interesting as the flowers they will become - perhaps even more so.

A selection of Helichrysum by English gardener Chris Bowyer, 'Ruby Cluster' garnered Royal Horticulture Society's prestigious Award of Garden Merit. Bowyer then brought his find to the Blooms of Bressingham Plant Discovery Centre.

BLOOM SEASON & HABIT
From June until August, showy 2 inch clusters of ball-shaped, deep pink buds are cradled in soft, silvery foliage. They open to starry white flowers with prominent yellow centers and the genus' distinctive stiff, papery texture, gradually fading to a soft oatmeal hue. Foliage is attractive all summer, especially if given a light shearing after flowering.

LOCATION
Full sun. USDA Hardiness Zones 8 (7 with protection) to 10; AHS Heat Zones 12 to 1. See our Growing Zones page to reference growing zones in your area.

USE
Though not hardy in much of North America, it is evergreen in areas mild enough to enjoy it for more than one season. Elsewhere, this is a marvelous annual and a choice container candidate, forming a tidy, uniform mound of silvery leaves, like an ice cream scoop with pink sprinkles, melting over the lip of its pot.

SIZE
Flowers 8-10" tall, foliage 8-10" tall. 8-16" spread in 2 years.

CULTURE
Thrives in well-drained but not very fertile soil. Like many plants with wooly foliage, it is remarkably drought-tolerant but needs protection from excess moisture to overwinter outdoors. Give a light shearing after flowering. Also see our General Planting Tips for more information.