Billy Buttons (Craspedia)

Craspedia

Craspedia (Craspedia globosa) also knowns as billy's bittons is an annual plant of the asteraceae family. The plant was first described by British botanist George Bentham in 1867.Wild-growing kraspedia is found in Australia and New Zealand. The species has spread to other continents, and is especially popular in southern Europe in the Mediterranean region. In Poland, the plant is still not one of the most popular, more and more often it is found in beds in home gardens, but most often we can meet dried kraspedia , which is used by florists and craftsmen. After drying it retains its intense yellow color, which is why it is gladly chosen as a raw material for works.

Craspedia characteristics of the plant

Craspedia grows to 60-70cm. It grows in dense grass-like clumps consisting of equilateral leaves of dark green color. The leaves reach up to 30cm in length and have a distinctive gray down-like coating on them, professionally called cuticle. Several to a dozen shoots grow from a single clump. On the tops of the single, naked shoots grow yellow, spherical inflorescences of kraspedia. The flowers reach up to 3cm in diameter and are extremely long-lasting. The flowering period is from July to late autumn. Kraspedia is ideal for dry bouquets, because even after drying it does not lose its intense yellow color.

Craspedia occurrence and cultivation

The homeland of kraspedia is Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania. This is the only area in the world where we encounter naturally occurring kraspedia. It grows there in dry areas and tolerates short periods without rain quite well. The plant feels best in a sunny position, the soil should be sandy loam and permeable. It is resistant to pests and diseases. Be sure to weed regularly to ensure the plant grows properly.  Kraspedia is not resistant to frost. If you want to remove kraspedia, it is best to cut it at the stage of full bloom. In Poland, we most often encounter the plant in home gardens or in horticultural crops for live or dried bouquets. From kraspedia it is best to prepare seedlings initially.

Ideas for using dried craspedia - from floristics to handicrafts

The popularity of kraspedia as an ornamental plant is growing every year. Its original appearance works well in mixed beds. We can compose it in the garden with other annual plants of contrasting color. Sown in large numbers, it creates a'la meadow and attracts lots of butterflies. It is most suitable for naturalistic, English and country gardens. Dried kraspedia is mainly used in floristry and handicrafts. Its greatest advantage is its durability and intense color, even after drying. Natural kraspedia is often encountered in spring and summer bouquets and arrangements. Bleached kraspedia is used in winter reeds and garlands, as its appearance resembles small balls of snow. The plant looks great in the company of other dried flowers. It looks beautiful solo in a vase (preferably glass) in modern and minimalist interiors.

With which dried plants to compose kraspedia?

Natural craspedia is a great addition to bouquets in an idyllic climate. Most often dry bouquets with its participation are created by adding eucalyptus leaves, green dried flowers, dried bayberry. Remember that the listed dries are only a suggestion, do not be afraid to experiment and combine the most diverse species of dried and live plants.