Everlasting Flower Xeranthemum annuum
ABOUT
Xeranthemum annuum, commonly known as the annual everlasting or immortelle, is a visually striking plant well-known for its showy and vibrant flowers. The plant bears slender, branching stems that carry lance-shaped leaves. These leaves are often grayish-green in color, with a slightly fuzzy texture owing to a fine layer of hairs. The most remarkable feature of the annual everlasting is its flowers or blooms. The flowers are composed of papery bracts that surround a central disc. These bracts come in various colors, including shades of purples, pinks, and whites, and retain their color when dried, which makes the plant a popular choice for dried flower arrangements. Each flower head of the annual everlasting is typically made up of a ring of vividly colored bracts that resemble petals and give the flower a daisy-like appearance. The center of the flower contains the true, but smaller, florets that are less conspicuous. These blooms are known for their long-lasting nature, both on the plant and when used in dried bouquets. Additionally, the plant exhibits an overall bushy form, which adds to its ornamental value in gardens and landscaping projects. The contrast of the grayish-green foliage against the colorful flowers makes it an attractive plant for decorative purposes throughout its blooming season.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Annual Everlasting, Immortelle.
Common names
Ammobium annuum, Xeranthemum annuum var. annuum, Xeranthemum inapertum, Xeranthemum inapertum var. compactum, Xeranthemum inapertum var. inapertum.
ToxicityTo humans
To the best of my knowledge, Xeranthemum annuum, commonly known as the annual everlasting, is not recognized as toxic to humans. This plant is often used for ornamental purposes, especially in dried flower arrangements, and there are no common reports or scientific literature that indicates toxicity to people upon ingestion or contact. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities could exist, and it is always wise to avoid ingesting unknown plants or plant parts due to potential risks of gastrointestinal discomfort or unknown reactions.
To pets
Regarding the common annual everlasting, Xeranthemum annuum, there is no specific information suggesting that this plant is toxic to pets. It is primarily grown for ornamental use and is not known to be poisonous to animals. Despite this, it is generally a good practice to prevent pets from consuming plants not intended for their diet to avoid potential allergies, sensitivities, or gastrointestinal disturbances that can occur from ingesting non-food plants. If a pet were to consume a large amount of annual everlasting or any unfamiliar plant, monitoring for signs of distress and consulting with a veterinarian would be advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Xeranthemum annuum, commonly known as the annual everlasting or immortelle, adds visual interest to gardens with its showy, colorful flowers.
- Drought Tolerance: As a plant adapted to dry conditions, it requires minimal watering, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-conservative gardens.
- Low Maintenance: This species typically does not require much care once established and can thrive with little attention, making it ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the annual everlasting can attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollinating garden plants and promoting biodiversity.
- Long-Lasting Cut Flowers: The flowers of Xeranthemum annuum are renowned for their long-lasting qualities when cut and used in floral arrangements and bouquets.
- Dried Flower Use: The flowers can be dried and retain their shape and color well, making them popular for dried flower crafts and decorations.
- Adaptability: It is adaptable to a variety of soil types, though it prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate less fertile conditions.
- Seasonal Interest: With flowers that bloom in the summer, Xeranthemum annuum adds seasonal interest to gardens and can be used to fill gaps in perennial borders.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Xeranthemum annuum, commonly known as the annual everlasting or immortelle, can be used as a natural dye source; its petals can produce subtle colors for fabrics.
- The plant is often used in craftwork, such as making dried flower arrangements because the flowers maintain their shape and color when dried.
- The stiff, paper-like texture of the flowers makes them suitable for scrapbooking and other paper crafts.
- The everlasting's attractive bloom is sometimes used in the creation of decorative homemade candles, where dried flowers are embedded in the wax.
- The seeds of annual everlasting can be used in educational projects and botanical studies to illustrate the life cycle of flowering plants.
- The silvery foliage and long-lasting flowers are often used in ornamental garden design to provide contrast with other plants.
- In photography, the unique appearance of Xeranthemum annuum adds an interesting aesthetic for still life compositions.
- The flowers can be used for potpourri thanks to their lasting structure and ability to retain a light fragrance when dried.
- During historic times, the everlasting flowers could be used as symbols in art and literature to represent themes of remembrance and eternity.
- Culinary enthusiasts sometimes use the dried blooms as an adornment for specialty cakes and desserts for a rustic or vintage look.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiXeranthemum annuum, commonly known as annual everlasting or immortelle, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityAnnual everlasting is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Eternity and Immortality: Xeranthemum annuum is commonly known as the "immortelle" due to its flowers that retain their shape and color when dried, symbolizing everlasting life and remembrance.
- Permanence and Unchanging Nature: The durability of the immortelle's blossoms, which do not wither easily, represents constancy and the idea of unchangeable aspects of existence.
- Resistance and Resilience: Immortelles are hardy plants, capable of withstanding harsh conditions, symbolizing strength and the ability to endure difficulties.
WaterImmortelle plants like Xeranthemum annuum prefer moderately moist soil, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This often translates to watering once every week, although the frequency may increase in hot, dry conditions or decrease during cooler, wetter periods. Generally, add approximately 1 gallon of water per plant, ensuring thorough hydration without waterlogging the soil. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases, instead targeting the base of the plant directly. During winter, reduce watering as the plant goes dormant and requires less moisture.
LightThe Immortelle, Xeranthemum annuum, thrives best in full sun conditions where it can receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose an unobstructed location where the plant can soak up plenty of light without being shaded by buildings or taller plants, as this promotes strong growth and abundant flowering.
TemperatureImmortelle plants prefer warm temperatures and fare best in environments where daytime temperatures range from 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimal dips in temperature, but frost can be harmful, so keep plants protected or indoors if night temperatures are expected to fall below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Ideal growing conditions are maintained above 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.
PruningPruning Immortelle, Xeranthemum annuum, is primarily done to remove spent flowers and maintain a neat appearance, which encourages further blooming. Deadhead regularly throughout the blooming season. Pruning can be done after flowering by cutting back the stems to just above a set of leaves. The best time for more extensive pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningNot needed
SoilImmortelle, commonly known as Xeranthemum annuum, thrives in well-draining soil with a moderate to slightly alkaline pH of 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for immortelle would consist of loam, sand, and peat to ensure proper drainage and aeration. Incorporating organic matter such as compost can also promote healthy growth.
RepottingImmortelle plants typically do not require frequent repotting as they are annuals and complete their life cycle within a year. Repotting is usually unnecessary unless the initial pot is too small or the soil has deteriorated.
Humidity & MistingImmortelle plants are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels and do not require any special humidity conditions. They can thrive in the average atmospheric humidity found in most environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place immortelle in a bright, sunny spot indoors.
Outdoor
Plant immortelle in full sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
2-11 USDA
Life cycleXeranthemum annuum, also known as the annual everlasting, begins its life cycle with seed germination in early spring, which requires well-drained soil and moderate temperatures. After germination, the seedling undergoes vegetative growth, developing a rosette of leaves and then a sturdy stem. Flower bud formation occurs in late spring to early summer, as day length and temperatures increase. The flowering stage follows, with the plant producing showy purple, pink, or white blooms that attract pollinators and are known for their papery texture. After pollination, the plant sets seed in late summer, which are then dispersed by wind or animals. With the onset of colder weather, the annual everlasting completes its life cycle, as it is an annual plant and dies after seed maturation, relying on its seeds for continuation of the species in the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Xeranthemum annuum, commonly known as the annual everlasting or immortelle, is predominantly propagated by seed as it is a straightforward and effective means of growing new plants. The most popular time to sow the seeds is in early spring, typically after the danger of frost has passed. Gardeners often start the seeds indoors around 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost date to get a head start on the season. To propagate by seed, one should prepare a well-draining seed starting mix, sowing the seeds on the surface and pressing them gently into the soil as they need light to germinate. Keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged is crucial. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks at 70°F (about 21°C), after which seedlings can be thinned out and later transplanted outdoors once they are robust enough to handle and the threat of frost has subsided.
