Flower Library
Billy Buttons
Craspedia globosa · Asteraceae (Korbblütler)
Craspedia is the little yellow drumstick globe that nobody overlooks. Perfectly round, velvety flower heads on wiry, leafless stems — a graphic dot that instantly modernises any bouquet. Thanks to A1 stock from the Rhein-Maas auction it easily lasts two to three weeks in the vase, and afterwards simply dries on without losing its colour.
- Season
- Year-round
- Vase life
- 14–21 days
- Latin name
- Craspedia globosa
- Colors
- Mustard yellow, Golden yellow
Botanically Craspedia globosa belongs to the daisy family and in some literature is also listed as Pycnosorus globosus. The seemingly smooth ball consists of hundreds of tiny, densely packed individual florets — hence the velvety, almost felt-like look. It is scentless, which also makes it pleasant for fragrance-sensitive customers.
In floristry Craspedia is a pure accent flower. Set singly among soft main blooms such as ranunculus, roses or tulips, it brings rhythm and a cheeky dot of colour to the arrangement. In wild-meadow and dried bouquets it is an evergreen, because its shape never deforms and the stems bend well and can be worked in at any height.
Quality shows in the stem and the colour: a high-grade bunch has firm, straight stems and evenly mustard-yellow, fully coloured heads without greenish patches. Ideally it is cut once the globe is coloured through — then the flower is mature and especially long-lasting. Drooping or brownish heads are a sign of old stock.
Stylistically Craspedia pairs beautifully with everything modern and structured: with grasses, baby's breath, eucalyptus or as a contrast dot in monochrome bouquets. Three or five stems are often enough to give a plain bunch character. As a dried flower it is one of the most rewarding of all and keeps its shape and colour for months in dried arrangements.
Care
- 01Cut stems at an angle by about 2 cm and place in room-temperature water with flower food.
- 02Keep the water level low — the wiry, leafless stems need little, so the water stays clear longer.
- 03Change the water every 3–4 days and re-trim each time, then it easily lasts two to three weeks.
- 04Avoid direct sun and dry radiator air so the heads don't dry out prematurely and the colour stays vivid.
- 05To dry, simply hang upside down in an airy, shaded spot — shape and golden tone last for months.
Frequently asked
- How long does Craspedia last in the vase?
- Very long. With fresh A1 stock two to three weeks is normal, and afterwards it transitions seamlessly into a dried bouquet without losing its colour. That makes it one of the most durable cut flowers around.
- Is Craspedia toxic to cats or dogs?
- There is no official safety confirmation, and a mild irritant effect is described for some daisy-family plants. We therefore recommend placing the stems out of reach of pets, like any cut flower.
- Does Craspedia dry well?
- Excellently — it is one of the very best dried flowers. Hung upside down, the globe keeps its round shape and the mustard yellow stays strong for months.
- Does Craspedia have a scent?
- No, it is practically scentless. That makes it an ideal choice when a colourful accent is wanted without adding fragrance to the bouquet.