Today we have several more interesting everlastings that
would also work wonderfully in a silver themed garden. The
plants are all richly textured and unique so even if you don't
use them as everlastings they will be charming additions.
Artemisa annua, also known as Sweet Annie is grown for the
strongly scented and lacey, almost frilly, foliage. It's a wonderful
addition to wreaths. You can cut the entire plant and hang it
upside down as soon as the buds develop and turn to a gold
color. This is VERY large plant that you direct seed or start
indoors in April. You'll need 2-3 foot between plants, which will
grow from 4-6 foot in ONE season! The seed is very small,
which seems strange for such a fast growing plant. Plant in
full sun and a standard soil.
Lunaria, also known as Honesty or Money Plant: this biennial
everlasting that is grown for it's unique seed pods that are
formed the second year. The plant has fragrant blossoms
that appear in late spring, then the pods form towards fall.
Harvest the thin quarter sized seed pods when the plant
dies back and the pod is completely dry. The "cover", which
is a cream color comes off easily if you gently rub it between
your fingers. Underneath is a clear, almost shimmery disk
that you can add to dried arrangements or wreaths. Lunaria
reseeds easily, and can be a nuisance if you don't watch it.
It grows in Zones 5-10 in full sun or very light shade in well
drained soil.
Echinops ritro, also known as globe thistle, could be mistaken
for a weed, but once you see the perfectly round blue/purple
blooms you won't make the same mistake. I bought my first
one for .50 at the end of the season. Plant in full sun, it's not
picky about soil, but don't plant in a wet area. It will tolerate
drought, and doesn't need extra watering. The globe like
blooms should be picked as soon as the color is apparent.
You can dry easily by hanging in bunches. This is a perennial
plant and can be planted from seed, but it will take one or two
seasons to bloom. Once it blooms it will each year. If you don't
prefer the prickly foliage locate it behind other plants in the
back of a border.
Stachys Byzantina, also know as Lamb's Ears: This perennial
has fuzzy, soft foliage unlike any other plant I know. The foliage is so unique that it's worth
growing even if you don't use it as an everlasting. However, they
do retain their fuzzy texture when dried. And entire wreath of dried,
layered Lamb's Ear foliage accented with tiny rosebuds is delicate
and pretty. It's grows well in Zones 4-8 in full sun and a soil on the
drier side and is very drought tolerant. Combine it with lavender in
the garden for a delightful pairing! Grow Lamb's Ears from seeds
or purchased seedlings.
Perennial Everlasting
Anaphalis margaritacea, also known as Pearly Everlasting:
This everlasting needs rich, well drained soil on the moister
side in sun or light shade. They tend to droop if allowed to
become to dry. It blooms late summer to fall and grows well
in Zones 3-8. The small white papery flowers hold their shape
when dried are a great accent to wreaths and arrangements.
Harvest Pearly Everlasting just before the flower centers turn
yellow after they have opened. Hang in bunches in a dry place
where the air circulates.
Catanache caerulea, known as Cupid's Dart: This everlasting
loves full sun and a soil that is slightly dried, but fertile. It's a
Mediterranean native so it loves heat and will do well in Zones 4-10.
The lavender or white flowers bloom in mid to late summer and
sometimes into autumn. You can plant from seed, but color may
vary--some are lighter in color than others. The plants should be
divided every two to three years, and should never be in a wet
environment. Hang in bunches to dry.
Eryngium varieties, also known as Sea Holly: There are over 200
varieties of this everlasting. Many people don't look past the picky
foliage and blooms, but to an everlasting fan, they are unique and
worth growing. In some ways resemble a fancier Globe Thistle, with
it's lavender blue blooms. Plant Sea Holly in full sun and a soil that
is on the dry side. It hates wet feet and being transplanted so plan
out well where you want to grow it. It's hardy from Zones 4-8.
Eryngium alpinum is the largest flowering sea holly, so that is
definitely one to consider from everlasting growers. You can
plant from seed or buy plants in the spring. Sea hollies do reseed
as well. Plant them out of the way where the foliage won't bother
anyone who may rub up against the plants. Cut the blooms just
as they open, and hang or dry on screens.
Many of the plants featured can be purchased from
Thompson & Morgan in the Dried Flower section here:
Plus you can
see some great pictures of the flowers as well.
