Craspedia, also known as Billy Balls or Billy Buttons, are those cheerful little yellow spheres that add a fun, playful pop to any arrangement. Their perfectly round blooms and long, slender stems make them a favorite for modern and bohemian floral designs. They're also one of the easiest flowers to care for and one of the best for drying.

What You'll Need

  • A clean vase
  • Fresh, cool water
  • Floral preservative (optional)
  • Sharp scissors or floral shears

Step-by-Step Care Instructions

  1. Unpack promptly. Remove your craspedia from the packaging as soon as they arrive and let them breathe.
  2. Trim the stems. Cut 1 to 2 inches off the bottom of each stem at a 45-degree angle to help with water uptake.
  3. Fill your vase. Use clean, cool water with a little floral preservative if you have it. Craspedia are not heavy drinkers but still benefit from fresh water.
  4. Keep leaves off the waterline. Remove any foliage that would sit below the water to keep it clean.
  5. Change the water every 2 days. Re-trim the stems each time to keep them fresh.
  6. Place in a cool, bright spot. Keep them away from direct sunlight and heat sources for the longest vase life.

Pro Tips

  • They dry beautifully: Craspedia are one of the best flowers for drying. Simply hang them upside down in a cool, dry spot or leave them in a vase without water. They hold their bright yellow color and perfect round shape for months.
  • Great as accents: Use craspedia to add texture and a pop of color to mixed bouquets, centerpieces, and wreaths. They pair especially well with white flowers and greenery.

Important Note for Painted Craspedia

We also offer craspedia in painted colors, and they require one extra precaution: do not submerge or dunk the painted blooms in water. The paint can bleed and stain anything it comes into contact with, including your hands, linens, and other flowers in the arrangement. When handling painted craspedia, keep the blooms dry and only place the stems in water.

Florist Secret

Because craspedia dry so well and hold their color, many florists use them in both fresh and dried arrangements interchangeably. If you want to get the most out of your craspedia, start with them fresh in a vase, then when the arrangement is done, pull them out and let them dry. You'll have beautiful dried stems to use in a second arrangement, wreath, or home decor project at no extra cost!

How Long Will They Last?

Fresh craspedia typically last 7 to 10 days in a vase. And once dried, they can last for months or even years as a beautiful, long-lasting accent.