Cephalipterum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 22nd Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Cephalipterum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

At a Glance: Cephalipterum

Plant Characteristics: Cephalipterum is an erect annual herb with elongated leaves and flowers ranging from white to pink. Its charming floral display is perfect for adding variety to gardens.
Ideal Growing Conditions: This plant adapts well to a variety of soils, thriving best in full sun to partial shade. It's versatile and can fit into different garden settings.
General Care: They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant. Propagate from seeds or cuttings in well-draining soil, ensuring moderate watering for optimal growth.
Tips for New Gardeners: Drummond's Daisy or ‘Pompoms’ is a beginner-friendly plant , requiring minimal care. Focus on adequate sunlight and maintaining moist, well-drained soil for healthy growth.

Pompoms, Drummond's Daisy: Cultivation & Garden Use

Cephalipterum is a half hardy annual. It has long lasting flowers that bloom in the summer.

Cephalipterum is also known by the common name of pompoms.

Cephalipterum

Their flowers are small and round, and sit atop 30 cm (12 inch) long stems.

They make good plants for the border.

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Cephalipterum Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Pompoms.

Life Cycle: Half hardy annual.

Height: 12 inches (30 cm).

Native: Australasia.

Family: Asteraceae.

Growing Region: Zones 5 to 8.

Flowers: Summer.

Flower Details: Yellow or cream. Round/Globe.

Foliage: Wiry stalks.

Sow Outdoors: Cover seeds. Following last frost. Spacing 12 inches (30cm).

Sow Indoors: Germination time: two to three weeks. Temperature 65 to 75°F (18 to 25°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.

Requirements: Full sunlight or light shade. Moist and poor soils. Regular watering. Use a mulch. Use slug repellents.

How to Grow Cephalipterum - Pompoms

If planning to grow Cephalipterum plants outdoors from the off it is best to sow out the seeds after the last frost of the spring, simply cover the seeds.

Cephalipterum prefer to grow in sunny or partially shaded parts of the garden. Locate in an area that has a moist, yet poor soil.

When growing Pompoms indoors from seedlings, they should be started about 7 to 9 weeks before you plan to put them outdoors. Transplant after the last frost of spring.

They require from two to three weeks to germinate at a temperature of 18 to 24 degrees celsius (64 to 75°F).

When ready, Cephalipterum seedlings should be planted outdoors with a spacing of about 30 cm (one foot).

Looking after Pompoms

The soil that pompoms grow in should be kept cool and moist.

The use of slug pellets or other slug repellents is recommended.

Common Questions

How many members does the Cephalipterum genus have?

The Cephalipterum genus is a small one, with just one known species: Cephalipterum drummondii.

Do members of Cephalipterum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Cephalipterum drummondii isn't commonly cultivated in gardens, but its interesting flower structure could add a unique touch to botanical collections.

Which Cephalipterum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The only species in this genus, Cephalipterum drummondii, isn't widely grown by gardeners.

Are members of the Cephalipterum plant genus fragrant?

There isn't much information about the fragrance of Cephalipterum drummondii as it's not commonly grown.

What is the perfect location to grow Cephalipterum?

As Cephalipterum drummondii originates from Australia, it would likely prefer a warm, sunny location with well-drained soil.

Is Cephalipterum invasive in the USA?

Presently, Cephalipterum isn't known to be invasive in the USA as it's not commonly cultivated.

How do I remove Cephalipterum plants from my garden?

If you need to remove Cephalipterum, digging out the plant and its root system should suffice.

Summary

The Cephalipterum genus, part of the Asteraceae family, is native to the Mediterranean region. Also known as strawflower, these perennial plants are known for their golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers that bloom in summer, and their silver-grey foliage.

To grow Cephalipterum, plant them in a sunny location with well-drained soil. They can be grown from seeds sown in spring. Regular watering is necessary, but they are relatively drought-tolerant once established. They are often used in borders, rock gardens, or as dried flowers for their long-lasting, papery blooms.

I hope that you found this guide on how to grow Cephalipterum plants in your garden. You may also enjoy my gardening guides on how to grow African Daisy, Xanthisma plant, and Gazania plants.

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