Xerochrysum bracteatum, aka strawflowers, aren’t shrubs, of course, but the one I have growing in my kitchen garden right now sure thinks it is! I’ve started them from seed the past few years but this spring they didn’t make the cut, given my reduced indoor growing space due to new, very curious cats in the household. Imagine my surprise when a seedling appeared outside, on its own, in the general area of last year’s patch. Not only did it show up unannounced, but it grew like, well, like a weed! It may be because it’s directly beside a largish flat chunk of limestone I used as a stepping stone – that may have provided both insulation for the seed during the winter as well as a cool, moist spot for roots to develop in the spring and early summer. Whatever the reason, and aided by me lopping off its first, terminal flower bud, it looks like a small shrub right now, bursting forth in strawberry red blossoms.
With deadheading, it will bloom until a hard frost in October, and allow me to replenish my jar of dried flowers later this summer.
Volunteer surprises, or surprise volunteers are definitely a lot of fun. Might be interesting to scatter a packet of seeds in the fall and see what comes up next spring. Another really fun …and delicious plant, is those Walking Onions….I have several.
What a great word play…re volunteers!! So, tell me about my onions..this is their 2nd year in my garden and they’re HUGE with many stalks and baby onions about to fall over and ‘walk.’
I’ve given several to friends already but, dumb question perhaps, tell me how you use them in cooking.
I just looked up: traditionalcookingschool.com. Lots of info! I’ve only used the leaves like scallions. It mentions to pickle the bulbs. The whole plant can be eaten. I kinda ‘forget’ to use them…was given a few plants at least 35 years ago.
They’re so interesting to look at and watch how they grow it’s easy to forget they’re meant to eat! Thanks for the link!
Oh, the joy or chagrin of volunteer plants. I have the same question about ‘walking onions’. How do I use them?
Chagrin : Cup Plants for days…😆😆
Talk about return on investment! These really are beautiful. It seems they can be grown in containers, so I might stop envying and start planting next year. I’d love to have some to dry for arrangements.
Ha! They do dry really well, and keep their colour beautifully.
Beautiful photos. I simply adore strawflowers they are just so cool 😀
They are, aren’t they!
A lovely colour. Mine are so pale and washed out this summer. So nice of it to pop up of its own accord!
It was a very welcome volunteer! And yes, I’m happy with the strawberry red…it should dry nicely.