Have you tried growing Strawflowers? by Vicky Spelman

Photo:  Jennifer Spelman

The name strawflower (Xerochrysum bracteatum) doesn’t do much to excite the flower gardener—it might elicit images of a plant that's withered and tan—but strawflower blossoms will bring vivid colors to your landscape and craft projects alike. The strawflowers resemble daisies in form, but unlike daisies, the petals are stiff and papery. They aren’t true petals at all, but modified leaves called bracts.