Craspedia Plant : Complete Guide And Care Tips

The Complete Guide and Care Tips for Craspedia Plants

Have you ever seen a plant that looks like a tiny yellow ball on top of a long stem? That’s called Craspedia or Billy Buttons.

This unique and eye-catching plant can add lots of character to any garden, but it requires some care to thrive.

In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know about growing and caring for Craspedia plants.

What are Craspedia Plants?

Craspedia is a genus of flowering plants in the daisy family native to Australia and New Zealand.

The most common species grown as ornamental plants is C.

globosa, known by its common names Billy Buttons or Woollyheads.

The plant has long stems (up to 60 cm) with small tufts of yellow spherical flowers at the top, resembling small balls of yarn or buttons.

Where to Plant Craspedia

Craspedia prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.

They grow best in well-draining soil with moderate moisture levels.

The plant doesn’t require much fertilizer, but adding one every month during the growing season can help encourage healthy growth.

• If planting from seed:
• Sow seeds indoors around six weeks before the last frost date in your area
• Gently press seeds into soil surface; do not cover them too deeply
• Keep soil moist until germination occurs (usually between seven and 21 days)
• To transplant outside: Wait until after all danger of frost has passed



• If planting from nursery stock:
• Choose a healthy-looking plant with no signs of pests or disease
• Plant the Craspedia at the same depth as it was in its container
• Water thoroughly, then regularly until established

Caring for Craspedia Plants

Once planted, Craspedia is relatively low-maintenance.

Here are some essential care tips to keep your plant healthy and thriving:

• Watering: Water your Craspedia moderately, about once a week.

  The soil should be kept consistently moist but not soaking wet.

  Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues.



• Fertilizing: While not necessary, fertilizing your Craspedia once per month during active growth will promote healthier plants.



• Pest Control: These plants are relatively pest-free but can be vulnerable to aphids and spider mites.

  Regularly inspect leaves for signs of infestation or damage and treat accordingly with insecticidal soap if needed.

• Pruning & Deadheading:

  Cut back spent blooms after they have finished flowering to encourage new growth and further blooming throughout the season.

  You may remove dead flowers by cutting the stem just below the flower head itself.

• Mulching:

  Mulching with a layer of organic matter can help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperatures.

• Winter Care:

  Craspedia are hardy to USDA zones 8-11 and will require protection from frost or freezing temperatures if grown outside.

  If you live in an area with harsh winters, consider growing Craspedia as an annual plant instead.

In Conclusion

Overall, Craspedia plants are a beautiful addition to any garden or landscape.

Their unique spherical blooms add something special that other flowers cannot match.

If you want to grow this fascinating plant yourself, be sure to keep their needs met by planting them in well-draining soil in a sunny location and watering them moderately while avoiding excessive fertilization.

By following these simple guidelines for care and maintenance, you can enjoy your very own Billy Buttons year after year.