PlantFiles: Everlasting, Immortelle
Xeranthemum annuum

I planted these seeds because I was interested in growing a vibrant pink flower which can handle xeric conditions. Apparently, there are several different varieties of this plant, and if using saved seeds one cannot be sure what results one will get.

Unluckily I discovered Xeranthemum annuum varies a lot in flower size, plant height, and flower color, depending on the seed source.
The ones I grew were from saved seed (not commercially purchased). The resulting plants looked very little like the ones shown in these PlantFiles photos. About the only thing that turned out as I expected was the foliage color.

These were slow growing, for an annual. They took nearly 7 months of growth before they were able to bloom. The plants were about 16" tall, taller than the commercially sold variety .
When they did finally bloom, the flowers were also not as I expected.

The flower color was very pale pink, almost flesh-colored.
Individual flowers were smaller than expected, roughly 1/2" across. They could provide a delicate beauty if grown en masse, but would seem practically invisible if grown as a single specimen.

For some reason these flowers also had a different form- the blossoms never fully opened, remaining half closed no matter how mature they were...Perhaps this plant disliked my soil or climactic conditions, and that caused its bloom color and form/height to vary.

Found wild in southern Europe. The oblong, silvery leaves grow up to 2 inches long. The dry, papery flowers are shiny and may be single or double. They grow up to 2 inches across and may be white, rose, or pink. The flowers may be used for drying. They should be cut when the buds begin to open. If they are left to dry on the plant, they turn tan or light brown.

Plant in average, well-drained garden soil. Drought-tolerant; provide adequate water, but do not over-water.