Just as the gorgeous landscape of Iceland flies in the face of its frigid name, strawflowers are much more beautiful than their name suggests. Instead of bearing a resemblance to a dun-colored stalk of dried grain, the blooming plant provides incredible bursts of color.

These plants, also known as Xerochrysum bracteatum and formerly in the Helichrysum genus, can grow up to five feet tall but usually top out at around three feet. The North Carolina State University says their common name comes from the fact that the plant's bracts have a straw-like texture.

The flowers can grow up to two-and-a-half inches across, and will often produce a pleasant rainbow effect. The different hues created in a single planting may include white, red, pink, orange, and yellow.

Strawflowers are native to Australia and can be grown as short-lived perennials in warm areas. In cooler climates, it is easier to treat them as annuals.

If you want to get an early start on growing strawflowers, you can start them indoors about six to eight weeks before the last expected spring frost date. The seed company Burpee says you should give them plenty of light, either natural or artificial, once the seedlings emerge.

When sowing seeds directly into the garden, it is best to find a place with full sunlight. The Missouri Botanical Garden says strawflowers can tolerate modest amounts of shade as well.

You don't need to worry about preparing a site with rich soil. Jamie McIntosh, writing for the home advice site The Spruce, says the plant grows well in sandy or rocky soil. Make sure the soil drains well.

Fertilization isn't essential, but an application of a balanced flower fertilizer once a month can be beneficial. Burpee says you can also prepare the garden plot by working organic matter such as compost into the soil.

Cover the seeds with only a light layer of soil, since light is necessary for germination. Once the seedlings are about two inches high, thin them to allow 12 inches of space between them.

Strawflowers need about one inch of water per week to thrive. Add some extra moisture if your garden is not getting enough through rainfall.

Disease and pests are unlikely to affect strawflowers, but the plant can sometimes be susceptible to aster yellows virus. McIntosh says this disease causes yellowing leaves and stunted growth. Remove any affected plants and treat the plot to ward off leafhoppers, which carry the disease.

Strawflowers work well as a companion plant for features such as tall grasses. Scott D. Appell, author of the book "Annuals for Every Garden," says it goes well with plants that have either mild foliage such as gray colors or bright complementary hues.

The North Carolina State University says strawflowers will retain their shape and color when dried, making them a popular choice for dried flower arrangements. McIntosh says the stems are more brittle, so it is best to remove them and replace them with wires or other supports.

Removing spent blooms also helps keep the plant colorful, since it will continue to bloom until the autumn frost. Burpee says flowers should be removed once they have been killed by frost to eliminate any diseases that might overwinter in the garden.