Winged Everlasting

Ammobium alatum is a fascinating and structurally unique plant from Australia that is grown as a half-hardy annual in the UK. Its most distinctive feature is its 'winged' stems—flattened, green, and leaf-like—which give the plant a curious, architectural look. From midsummer, it produces clusters of small, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centres surrounded by crisp, white, papery bracts. These bracts have an 'everlasting' quality, meaning they retain their shape and colour perfectly when dried, making them a staple for dried flower arrangements. The plant grows to about 60-90cm tall and has a branching habit. It is a half-hardy annual (H2) and should be started indoors in March before being transplanted out in June. It requires a very sunny position and incredibly well-drained soil; it is quite drought-tolerant once established and is suitable for gravel gardens. Its silver-green foliage and unusual stems provide excellent contrast to more traditional flowering annuals. It is a conversation starter in any border.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.