Strawflower Bright Rose

The same papery everlasting flower as its silvered sister, but in a far stronger colour. 'Bright Rose' is a clean carmine-pink that holds almost undimmed through drying, which is unusual — most flowers fade a shade or two once they lose their moisture.

Cut with the centre still closed, hang in small bunches somewhere dark and airy, and you will have stems for winter arrangements that look nothing like dried flowers usually do. Wreaths in particular benefit from having some real colour in them.

Give it full sun and free-draining ground. It resents sitting wet more than it resents drought, so on heavy soil a raised bed or a large pot is the safer bet.