Helichrysum italicum

About this cultivar:

Helichrysum italicum has strikingly silvery, evergreen foliage that shimmers in the sun, with a finely textured, almost feathery appearance. Though its small, golden-yellow flowers are charming, it is the foliage that makes this plant truly stand out.

Commonly called 'The Curry Plant' when brushed or crushed, the leaves release a strong, distinctive scent reminiscent of curry—though it’s not actually edible. The flowers, which appear in mid to late summer, are long-lasting and can be dried for arrangements, keeping their bright colour for months. 

A sun-worshipper by nature - its epithet means 'From Italy' - it thrives in dry, well-drained soils and shrugs off drought with ease. It is particularly at home in Mediterranean-style plantings, gravel gardens, and coastal landscapes, where it provides year-round interest and a touch of silvery softness among more structural plants. In the garden, it is simply an effortlessly stylish, low-maintenance plant that keeps looking good no matter the season.

Yes, it loves dry, and our garden is pretty much wet heavy clay - but it does in drier areas so worth giving it a go around paths etc, squeeze the leaves as you walk by!

• Position: Full sun, partial shade
• Soil: Dry soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
• Flowers: April, May, June, July, August, September
• Other features: Grows well in Ballyrobert, Drought Tolerant, Interesting Foliage or Fruit
• Hardiness: H4 - Hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5°C), Fully hardy - grows well in Ballyrobert!
• Habit: Mat forming, bushy
• Foliage: Evergreen
• Height: 25 - 50 cm (1 - 2 ft)
• Spread: 50- 75 cm (1.5 - 2.5 ft)
• Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
• Plant type: Shrub
• Colour: Green, yellow, grey
• Goes well with: Try over a wall or in a seaside garden. As it is a Mediterranean plant why not try its relatives? Lavenders, Nepeta, Euphorbias and Origanums.

About this genus:

Helichrysum is a diverse genus of around six hundred (!) species in the Asteraceae (daisy) family, found in a range of habitats from Mediterranean regions to Africa, Madagascar, and parts of Asia and Australia. The name Helichrysum comes from the Greek words helios (sun) and chrysos (gold), referring to the bright, sun-like flowers that many species produce. First described scientifically by taxonomists in the 18th century, Helichrysum species have long been valued in traditional medicine, floristry, and even perfumery.

These plants vary widely in form, from small, woody shrubs to creeping perennials and even annuals. The leaves can be narrow, silvery, or woolly, often adapted to dry conditions by minimizing water loss. The flowers, often in shades of yellow, gold, white, pink, or red, are famous for their papery texture, which helps them retain colour long after drying—hence their common name, “everlasting” or “immortelle” flowers. 

Depending on the species, Helichrysum are drought-tolerant and thrive in rock gardens, borders, or containers. Many can be easy to grow in well-draining soil with plenty of sun. You've heard that before right? It is strange that we have this plant in our heavy soil, but it doesn't grow everywhere for us and we have to be selective of the species and cultivar. However those that we do grow do well in our drier areas! We promise! Look at the photos! With Helichrysum we sometimes have a sunny Mediterranean vibe when the grey clouds part and the sun shines. Costa del Robert.

In the garden, Helichrysum species add a touch of wild beauty, whether through their shimmering silver leaves or their persistent, vibrant blooms. When you need a tough, drought-resistant ground cover that provides a dried flower that lasts for years, try a Helichrysum.