Craspedia variabilis, commonly known as Billy Buttons, is a tufted perennial with distinctive yellow, button-like flowers held on upright stems.
These cheerful blooms make a strong visual impact and are popular both fresh and dried.
A member of the daisy family, this Australian native is well suited to rock gardens, borders, and containers, where its bright flowers and neat growth habit add colour through the warmer months.
Why Grow Billy Buttons
- Bright, long-lasting yellow flowers.
- Excellent for cut and dried arrangements.
- Compact and suitable for small spaces.
- Attracts butterflies and beneficial insects.
- Ideal for rockeries and native gardens.
Climate Zones
Australia
- Best suited to temperate and cool regions.
- Grows well in VIC, NSW, TAS, and parts of SA.
- Avoid very humid tropical areas.
North America
- Suitable for USDA Zones 8–11.
- Can be grown as an annual in cooler climates.
UK
- Best grown as a summer perennial or annual.
- Requires free-draining soil and a sunny position.
Europe
- Suitable for temperate regions.
- In colder climates, treat as a short-lived perennial or annual.
Soil Preparation and Planting
Billy Buttons prefer a balance of moisture and drainage, similar to their natural habitat.
Soil Preparation
- Use well-drained soil enriched with organic matter.
- Improve heavier soils with compost and coarse material for drainage.
- Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Planting Time
- Sow or plant in spring after frost risk has passed.
- In mild climates, autumn planting is also suitable.
Planting Steps
- Prepare soil by loosening and adding compost.
- Plant at the same depth as in the container.
- Water in gently and keep soil lightly moist.
- Apply a light mulch such as gravel to maintain a cool root zone.
Growing Conditions
- Position: Full sun to light shade.
- Water: Requires consistent moisture, especially during active growth.
- Drainage: Essential—plants dislike soggy soil.
- Fertiliser: Minimal feeding needed in reasonably fertile soil.
Care and Maintenance
- Plants grow naturally in slightly moist hollows but still require good drainage.
- Die back to underground rhizomes at the end of summer.
- Re-emerge in spring under suitable conditions.
- Light mulching with gravel or small stones helps regulate soil temperature and moisture.
Flowering and Uses
- Flowering from spring through summer.
- Flowers hold well on the plant and after cutting.
- Ideal for:
- Fresh cut flowers.
- Dried floral arrangements.
- Native and pollinator-friendly gardens.
Growing in Containers
Billy Buttons perform well in pots.
- Use a free-draining potting mix.
- Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- Water regularly, as pots dry out quickly.
- Position in full sun for best flowering.
Propagation
- Easily grown from seed.
- Surface sow seeds and keep moist.
- Germination typically occurs within 10–14 days in spring.
- Can be direct sown or started in trays.
FAQ
Are Billy Buttons drought tolerant?
No, they prefer consistent moisture, although they still require well-drained soil.
Do they come back every year?
Yes, in suitable climates they regrow from rhizomes, but may behave as short-lived perennials.
Can they grow in pots?
Yes, they grow well in containers with good drainage and regular watering.
When do they flower?
From spring through summer, depending on climate.
Do they attract pollinators?
Yes, they attract butterflies and other beneficial insects.
Summary Information
- Botanical Name – Craspedia variabilis
- Common Name – Billy Buttons
- Family – Asteraceae
- Height – Around .3 metres, sometimes taller
- Spread – To around .2metres.
- Position – Full Sun to a little afternoon shade.
- Soil – Well drained.
- Flowers – Yellow and rounded.
- Flowering Time – Spring through summer.
- Foliage – Mid green.
- Frost tolerant – Light frosts only.
- Drought tolerant – No, some moisture is required.