Good Flowers for Dried Decorative Displays

By Virginia Hayes
Saturday, July 25, 2009

Cut flowers are beautiful and, usually, ephemeral. A few days, a week or two at most, and they go into the compost pile. There are a few, however, with sturdy bracts, petals, or pods that stand the test of time. Here are some of the easiest to grow and dry for long-lasting floral displays.
Safflower is grown by the acre for its oil-rich seeds, but its cheery yellow flowers can last for months and months when dried. Its botanical name, Carthamus tinctorius, hints at its other usefulness as a dye plant. Sea holly (Eryngium alpinum) is a powdery blue or violet all over its spiny leaves and stems. The stiff bracts surround a cone-shaped inflorescence of tiny flowers. They are almost frilly looking, but very sturdy and make this an excellent flower for drying. The familiar strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum), with its colorful daisy-like flower heads, comes in shades of white, yellow, orange, red, and pink and is known for its longevity. The airy sprays of statice (Limonium sinuatum) are also well-known. White, yellow, or blue and purple selections are available.

The swan flower (Asclepias fruticosa) isn't very showy in bloom, but the inflated seed pods are held on curving stems resembling the neck and head of its namesake. The pods, which are covered with tiny prickles, dry to a pale yellow and are very decorative. Another favorite that isn't grown for the fresh flowers is the money plant (Lunaria annua). Once the small flowers are gone and the flattened seed pods have split and released their seeds, translucent, round, parchment-like “coins” remain on the stem. Love-in-a-mist (Nigella damascena) also has decorative inflated seed pods with little horns curving out of the apex and has ornamental flowers that come in shades of pink, blue, or white. The leaves are very finely divided providing the “mist” in its name. One last species known for its papery calyx, not its flowers, is called Chinese lantern plant (Physalis alkekengi). The “lanterns” are bright orange and can be picked and dried to brighten fall and winter decorations.

August Tips

• Mid to late August is the perfect time to start seeds of cool-season crops like cabbage, broccoli, and spinach. Plants will be ready to move into the garden in six to eight weeks.
• Cut back hydrangeas, leaving at least three buds on each stem. Thin out oldest canes to encourage new growth from the base.
• Divide bearded iris: dig and cut off new stems, discarding woody center of clump. Replant immediately or store in damp peat moss in a cool place.
  

Virginia Hayes, curator of Ganna Walska Lotusland, will answer your gardening questions. Address them to Gardens, The Independent, 122 W. Figueroa St., S.B., CA 93101. Send email to vahayes@lotusland.org.