Pearly Everlasting

What you'll need:

Pearly Everlasting seeds or young plants (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A pot or a patch of soil in your garden

Regular garden soil (this plant isn’t too picky about soil type, but well-draining soil works best)

Some compost or organic matter (optional, to enrich the soil)

When to start:

Pearly Everlasting is a hardy plant that enjoys cooler weather. The best time to start planting is in early spring when the ground has thawed, or in early fall before the first frost. This gives the plant enough time to establish itself before extreme temperatures arrive.

Finding a good spot:

This plant loves sunshine and thrives in full sun but can tolerate some partial shade. If you're planting it outdoors, choose a sunny location where it will get at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. It also does well in containers if you’re short on space, so feel free to place it on a sunny balcony or windowsill.

Tip: Pearly Everlasting is drought-tolerant once established, so it’s perfect for areas with dry summers.

If you have seeds:

1. Start by sprinkling seeds over the soil surface in a small pot or directly in your garden bed.
2. Lightly press the seeds into the soil but don’t bury them too deep—just a light covering of soil is enough since they need light to germinate.
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
4. Seeds should sprout within 7-14 days.
5. Once the seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them out so each plant has enough room to grow (about 12 inches apart).

If you have young plants:

1. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your Pearly Everlasting plant.
2. Place the plant in the hole and cover the roots with soil, gently patting down around the base.
3. Water thoroughly after planting to help the roots settle in.

Planting tips:

• Space your plants about 12-18 inches apart if you’re planting multiple ones; this gives them room to spread.
• If planting in a pot, make sure it has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
• Adding a bit of compost to the soil can give your plant an extra boost, but it’s not strictly necessary since Pearly Everlasting adapts well to poor soils.

Watering:

• In the beginning, water regularly to keep the soil lightly moist while the plant gets established.
• Once it’s settled in (after a few weeks), you can reduce watering. Pearly Everlasting is drought-tolerant, so it doesn’t need constant moisture. Just check the soil—if the top inch feels dry, it's time to water.

Sunlight:

• This plant loves the sun! Make sure it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It can handle partial shade but will flower better in full sun.

Feeding:

• You don’t need to fertilize much. Pearly Everlasting is used to growing in poor soils, so adding a little compost once or twice during the growing season is plenty.

Pruning:

• To encourage bushier growth and more flowers, you can pinch back the tips of the stems early in the growing season. Simply snip off the top inch or two of new growth with scissors or your fingers.
• After flowering, you can cut back the spent blooms (deadheading) to encourage more flowers or leave them on if you want the plant to reseed itself naturally.

Tip: Pearly Everlasting is a tough plant and doesn’t suffer much from pests or diseases. However, if you notice any yellowing leaves, it might be due to overwatering—so ease up on the watering!

When to harvest:

• Pearly Everlasting is prized for its long-lasting flowers, which are often used in dried floral arrangements.
• Harvest the flowers when they are fully open, usually in mid to late summer.
• The flowers should feel papery and dry to the touch when ready.

How to harvest:

• Use scissors or pruning shears to cut the flower stems, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
• Cut more than you think you’ll need—they look great in bouquets!

Drying the flowers:

• After harvesting, tie the stems together in small bunches and hang them upside down in a cool, dry, and airy place.
• Once fully dried (usually takes 1-2 weeks), you can use them in arrangements or store them in a dry container.

After harvesting:

• If you want the plant to reseed itself, leave some flowers on the plant until they turn brown and drop their seeds naturally.
• At the end of the season, cut back the old growth to tidy up the plant for the next year.

Q: Is Pearly Everlasting a perennial?

A: Yes! Pearly Everlasting comes back year after year, especially in zones 3-8. It’s a very hardy plant and can survive cold winters.

Q: Can I grow Pearly Everlasting indoors?

A: While it prefers outdoor conditions, you can grow it indoors as long as it gets plenty of sunlight. Place it near a south-facing window where it can soak up at least 6 hours of light per day.

Q: Why isn’t my Pearly Everlasting flowering?

A: It might not be getting enough sunlight. Make sure it’s in a spot where it gets full sun for most of the day. Also, don’t overwater—it prefers drier conditions.

Q: Does Pearly Everlasting attract pollinators?

A: Absolutely! Bees and butterflies love its nectar-rich flowers. It’s a great addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Q: Can I use Pearly Everlasting in bouquets?

A: Yes! Its papery white flowers are perfect for both fresh and dried arrangements. They last a long time and add a lovely texture to bouquets.

Q: My plant looks leggy. What should I do?

A: Pinch back the tips of the stems early in the growing season to encourage bushier growth. Don’t worry if it gets leggy—it happens sometimes, and pruning helps it fill out.