HELICHRYSUM

Evening Star, Issue 22460, 3 October 1936, Page 23

HELICHRYSUM

Helichrysum is one of the most popular of everlasting flowers. Plants are very easy to raise from seed, tor they are not particular as to soil or position, and when in bloom provide a gay patch of colour in the garden. The flowers can be gathered and stored for drying. Care should be taken when picking them not to crush the juicy stems, and to pluck them fairly long. It is best, also, to choose those that are not fully expanded, as the petals unfold during the process of drying. After being gathered they should be stood in water for two or three hours, then all leaves stripped from the stems, tied in small bunches, and hung up to dry. Each bunch should bo secured very tightly, as the stalks contract when dry and there is a danger of their slipping out and becoming damaged. When dry there are many ways in which they can be utilised. They are very becoming when arranged in moss in an ornamental vase, or mixed with other kinds of everlasting flowers they make a delightful centrepiece for table decoration. A charming birthday gift can be made from a few choice helichrysums formed into a posy, inserted through a hole made in the centre of a silver paper doyley, or arranged in the centre of leaves, the stems bound with -ribbon, and packed in a fancy box.

If the stalks have become limp, it is an easy matter to wire them, when they can be placed in any position desired. The most pleasing feature about helichrysums is that they are bright and gay when flowers are scarce and expensive to buy, and with reasonable care will last a long period of time.— ‘ Popular Gardening ’ (London).