Does Pearly Everlasting bloom every year?

Yes, it is a perennial that should bloom reliably every summer once it is established. It produces beautiful white, papery flowers that last for weeks.

Should I prune the plant to help it flower?

You do not need to prune it to encourage flowers, but you can deadhead spent blooms to keep the plant looking tidy. Avoid cutting it back in the spring, as this will remove the potential flower stalks.

Why is my Pearly Everlasting not blooming? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the amount of direct sunlight hitting the plant throughout the day.
Check the soil for signs of recent heavy fertilization.
Inspect the plant for any signs of powdery mildew that might be stressing it.

Likely causes

Insufficient Sunlight
Most likely
How to tell: The plant looks tall and thin, or it is growing in a shaded spot under trees or near a building. It will fail to produce flower buds if it does not receive enough energy from the sun.
What to do: Move the plant to a spot that receives full sun for most of the day. If it is in a container, shift it to a south facing location. Avoid planting it in areas where it is shaded by larger shrubs or structures.
Excessive Nitrogen Fertilizer
Possible
How to tell: You see lots of lush green foliage but no flower stalks. This often happens if you have applied too much high nitrogen fertilizer, which encourages leaf growth over blooms.
What to do: Stop using high nitrogen fertilizers immediately. Switch to a balanced, slow release fertilizer once in early spring. Allow the plant to grow in native soil without extra feeding for the rest of the season.

Other plants that won't flower

Find out what's wrong with your pearly everlasting

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Do not worry if the plant is young, as it may take one or two seasons to establish before it produces its first flowers. It is only a concern if the plant is mature and has had a full season of sun without showing any buds.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your Pearly Everlasting in a bright, sunny spot and avoid over fertilizing to ensure it focuses its energy on blooming.

Pearly everlasting: not flowering? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pearly everlasting and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Does Pearly Everlasting bloom every year?: Yes, it is a perennial that should bloom reliably every summer once it is established. It produces beautiful white, papery flowers that last for weeks.
Should I prune the plant to help it flower?: You do not need to prune it to encourage flowers, but you can deadhead spent blooms to keep the plant looking tidy. Avoid cutting it back in the spring, as this will remove the potential flower stalks.

Why is my Pearly Everlasting not blooming?