Whether you use dried Billy Buttons or plant them as borders, these Australian native flowers are bound to look stunning every time.
Know more about how to grow Billy Buttons in your own garden with our complete care guide below.
How to identify Billy Buttons
If you’re searching for a unique floral look for a bouquet, table centrepiece, or garden, Billy Buttons are just what you need.
There’s no mistaking the tennis ball-shape and golden yellow colour of the Billy Buttons flower.
Also known as Craspedia or Drumsticks, Billy Buttons are flowering plants that belong to the daisy family. They have stout stems and can grow up to 10-60cm in height, depending on the variety.
Their flowering season stretches between spring and summer, during which the Billy Button yields golden globe blooms adorned with woolly hairs.
These flowers make great cut floral arrangements, and are equally beautiful when dried!
Where do Billy Buttons grow?
Billy Buttons are famously homegrown and native to Australia – particularly the eastern NSW region.
This flowering plant does well in environments such as dry forests, grasslands, and areas with alpine conditions.
Billy Buttons bloom the whole year round in hot climates, and have no problem thriving in coastal areas.
They are fairly hardy and can tolerate light frost and dry periods.
How to grow Billy Buttons
Growing Billy Buttons from seeds is pretty easy!
Spring or summer is the best time to do this — simply sprinkle Billy Buttons seeds on the soil, then lightly rake to cover the seeds. Wait for 1-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate.
When the seedlings are big enough to transfer, dig holes that are as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Place the seedlings in the hole, and make sure to set your plants at least 20-25cm apart.
Before you know it, you have Billy Button blooms to harvest.
How to care for a Billy Buttons plant
Craspedia care isn’t fussy or difficult at all. These plants are low-maintenance and don’t require too much attention.
Just follow these simple care instructions, and you’ll have dazzling Billy Buttons in your garden.
Direct sun
Billy Buttons are sun-loving plants and need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight to bloom properly.
To have healthy Craspedia, make sure to plant them in an area where there is plenty of sunlight.
If you plan to grow them indoors, place them near a sunny window to allow them to soak up a good amount of sunlight.
Soil
This is one plant that won’t give you a headache when it comes to soil type!
Craspedia is easy to grow in any soil, with sandy loam being its favourite planting site.
The only condition Billy Buttons aren’t particularly fond of is acidic soil.
Other than that, you have a fairly fuss-free flowering plant in your hands. Go the extra mile and use well-draining soil, for best results.
Watering
Craspedia is tougher than a lot of people think. This tropical plant doesn’t need plenty of watering, really, since it is drought tolerant.
The only time to water your plant is when the top layer of the soil becomes dry.
Fertilising
Fertilising your Craspedia will certainly boost its growth.
Your plant will benefit from a slow release fertiliser such as a 7-12-7 fertiliser during growing season, as well as some compost or aged manure.
Mulching
Because Billy Buttons love warmth, they enjoy a layer of mulch on the planting site.
The best material for this purpose is gravel — not only will these stones regulate the right temperature for your plant, they will also help keep weeds out.
Pest control
Billy Buttons aren’t delicate flowers at all, but infestation from snails, slugs, and spider mites can spell doom for your plants if left unchecked.
You can remove these pests on your own, but hiring professional garden maintenance is the best bet to prevent plant infestations in the first place.
How to dry Billy Buttons
Billy Buttons make stunning decor and bouquets, even in their dried form.
To preserve your Billy Buttons, simply hang them upside-down and allow them to dry out. A warm, dark, and dry room is the perfect place to do this.
As soon as the flowers have dehydrated, you can add them to any cut floral arrangement for a striking effect. You now have gorgeous Billy Button flowers to decorate your home throughout the year!
