How to Grow Xeranthemum Plants
Guide to Growing Immortelle and Everlasting Plant
The Xeranthemum genus of plants consists of hardy annuals that range in height from 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 feet).
They have a silvery foliage, and bloom from the middle to end of summer when they carry leaves reminiscent of daisies; these may be pink or purple.
A common variety of Xeranthemum grown in the garden is Immortelle, though beware that it is considered a weed in many areas.
Both photographs of Xeranthemum inapertum by Manuel M. Ramos under creative commons licence.
How to Grow Immortelle
It is best to start off Immortelle indoors. Sow the seeds in peat pots about three weeks before the last frost of spring.
It should take about two weeks for Immortelle, Everlasting, and other Xeranthemum species to germinate at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (68°F).
Once growing, transplant the Immortelle seedling outdoors following the last frost at a spacing of 20 to 40 cm (8 to 16 inches).
Ideally Immortelle should be grown in a sunny part of the garden; the soil type is not too important.
Caring for Xeranthemum Plants
It is easy to grow an look after Immortelle as they can tolerate dry soils so can pretty much look after themselves
That said, a splash of water every now and again for your Xeranthemum plant will not go amiss.
Xeranthemum Growing and Care Guide
Common Names: Immortelle, Everlasting.Family:
Life Cycle: Hardy annual.
Height: 12 to 20 inches (30 to 50 cm).
Native: Southern Europe.
Flowers: Summer and the start of autumn.
Flower Details: Purple, pink. Tubular. Ray florets, disc florets. Papery.
Foliage: Silvery-green. Orbicular to ovate.
Sow Inside: Use peat pots. Germination time: one to two weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Three weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors following the last frost.
Family: Asteraceae.
Miscellaneous: Invasive species in some areas. Use commercial seeds for best results as wild ones do not stay true.
I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Xeranthemum plants. You may also enjoy the following guides on growing 'mums such as
Chrysanthemum and Mesembryanthemum plants.
If you enjoy the information on this site, then you'll love my book: The Gardener's HQ Plant Growing Guide. Available for Kindle (MOBI), iPad (ePub) and as a PDF.
