Craspedia globosa (Billy Buttons)

Billy Buttons is one of the most cheerful and distinctive flowers you can grow: perfectly spherical golden-yellow pompoms, each perched atop a tall, slim stem, that look as though they were designed by someone who wanted to put a tiny sun on a stick. The flowers are long-lasting both in the garden and as cut or dried flowers, holding their golden color for weeks after cutting. Native to Australia and New Zealand, Craspedia is a sun-lover that thrives on neglect once established.

In our zone 8 climate at Langlois, Billy Buttons is grown as an annual. It is perennial in zones 9-10, but our winter cold and wet will knock it back. It reaches 24-30 inches tall with a narrow, upright clumping form. The silvery-green, woolly foliage provides textural interest even before the flowers appear.

Plant in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light daily, and choose the best-drained spot you have. Water lightly and infrequently once established. The flowers attract bees and are deer resistant. Excellent fresh-cut and dried flower.