Question
    Tom
      We've had straw flowers in a pot outside all summer-we live in Indiana- now my wife is asking me if they are perennials-I have no idea but if they are would you please tell me how to care for them so we'll be able to enjoy them next summer
                                         Thanks
                                             Don

Answer
Hi Don,
Thanx for your question.  If you're talking about Helichrysum which is the  most common strawflower here in the U.S., that flower is an annual.  Annuals complete their life cycle in one season where as perennials can live from a few years to many, many years.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Helichrysum

Save the seed or buy new seed next year and plant lightly covered with soil.  Keep moist but not soggy.  Plant after the last frost.  Or start indoors under lights about 6 weeks before the last frost.  The culture is the same as zinnias.  Strawflowers are also known as everlastings and can be used in dried bouquets.  I hope this helps.
Tom