Description
Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields’ (Gomphrena haageana) is a popular, annual ornamental plant cherished for its intense, strawberry-red papery flowers that resemble small, clover-like globes. It is widely used in summer borders, cutting gardens, and as an “everlasting” flower in dried arrangements due to its vibrant, long-lasting colour.
How to grow: Start indoors in March-April. Surface sow on a tray of firmed, moist compost then cover lightly with a layer of compost or vermiculite. Once established, pot on into larger pots (7cm/3”) before hardening off and planting outdoors once all risk of frost has passed, spacing plants 20-30 cm (8-12”) apart. Gomphrena prefer a sunny, well drained spot and are drought tolerant once established. Plant height 50-60cm (20-24”). Flowers can be cut and used fresh in arrangements or cut and dried by hanging upside down for use in dried arrangements. Tip: Pinch out the central tip when the plant is 15cm (6”) tall to encourage branching.
