Overview
Helichrysum is a bushy,trailing herbaceous perennial in the genus Helichrysum, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. Helichrysum grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4,H3. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden and flower borders and beds.
About
Helichrysum, commonly known as everlasting flower, is a genus in the Asteraceae family comprising herbaceous perennials, annuals, and shrubs. This cultivar is an evergreen, bushy or trailing plant with gray-haired leaves and distinctive papery flower heads that last well into spring and summer. It thrives in full sun and well-drained, fertile soils such as chalk, loam, or sand with neutral to alkaline pH. Suitable for a variety of garden settings including gravel, rock, coastal, and cottage gardens, it is hardy in UK conditions (H3-H4) and can be propagated by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helichrysum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered, Exposed
- UK hardiness
- H4,H3
Plant details
Helichrysum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial, Bedding
- Habit
- Bushy,Trailing
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helichrysum
- Propagation
- Rooting semi-hardwood cuttings,Seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to honey fungus,downy mildews,powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Helichrysum?
Helichrysum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered and exposed positions.
What soil does Helichrysum need?
Helichrysum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, loam and sand. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Helichrysum hardy in the UK?
Helichrysum has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Helichrysum?
Rooting semi-hardwood cuttings,Seed.
More in the Helichrysum genus
- Helichrysum 'Roundabout'
- Helichrysum amorginum 'Amber Cluster'PBR
- Helichrysum amorginum 'Ember Glow'PBR
- Helichrysum angustifolium 'Mini'
- Helichrysum angustifolium 'Nanum'
- Helichrysum apiculatumcommon everlasting flower
- Helichrysum arenariumyellow everlasting flower
- Helichrysum elatumwhite paper daisy
