DESCRIPTION: These shrubs, annuals and perennials are natives of Australia, Tasmania and South Africa. The annuals produce flowers that are used for drying. The blossoms are cut just as they are about to open. The leaves are linear to lanceolate and up to 3 inches long; they are a bluish-green color. The flowers are papery dry and round, 2 to 3 inches across; they may be rose, pink or white with golden centers.
POTTING: They need sun half the day or more and well drained, light soil that is moist to on the dry side.
PROPAGATION: 8 to 10 weeks before they are to be set outside, seeds may be sown in fine soil indoors, in a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees. When the seedlings are transplanted outside, they are set 6 inches apart. They may also be sown directly outside when the soil is warm. They are sprinkled thinly and lightly covered with fine soil. They eventually should be thinned out.
VARIETIES: H. Humboldtianum; H. Manglesii; H. roseum.