General Description:

Schoenia is a small genus of five species, several of which were formerly classified in the genus Helichrysum.  Schoenia cassiniana (previously Helichrysum cassinianum) is an annual herb up to about 40 cm high. The flower heads occur at the ends of the stems mainly in winter and spring and are up to 40 mm in diameter, comprising pink, or sometimes white, papery bracts around a yellow centre.  Flowers fade to white as they age.

This is a popular plant in cultivation because of its very colourful display, especially in massed plantings. It is suited to most temperate areas and prefers well drained soils in a sunny position.

Plants may be propagated from seed but germination can sometimes be unreliable. Seed should be sown in late autumn or early winter for spring flowering. Seedlings should be protected from frost and should flower within 3-4 months from sowing. The species can also be grown from cuttings.