Overview
Helichrysum italicum is a bushy herbaceous perennial in the genus Helichrysum, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Helichrysum italicum grows best in full sun, and tolerates chalk and loam soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include gravel garden, rock garden, city and courtyard gardens, coastal, cottage and informal garden, mediterranean climate plants, flower borders and beds and banks and slopes. It is native to Slovenia, Morocco, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Algeria, Montenegro, Croatia, Cyprus and Portugal.
About
Helichrysum italicum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong fragrance of its leaves; other common names include Italian strawflower and immortelle. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60 centimetres (24 in) or more in height. In the wild it grows across Algeria, Baleares, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is. and other regions. It grows to around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, carrying evergreen foliage. Grow it in full sun and chalk and loam soil. It tolerates alkaline and neutral soils, well-drained conditions and south-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helichrysum italicum
About the genus
The genus Helichrysum consists of an estimated 600 species of flowering plants in the sunflower family (Asteraceae). The type species is Helichrysum orientale. They often go by the names everlasting, immortelle, and strawflower.
Wikipedia contributors, "Helichrysum", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Helichrysum
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Helichrysum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Helichrysum italicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Gravel garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Flower borders and beds, Banks and slopes
- Native to
- Slovenia, Morocco, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Algeria, Montenegro, Croatia, Cyprus, Portugal
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helichrysum italicum
- Propagation
- Rooting semi-hardwood cuttings in summer
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Downy mildews, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Helichrysum italicum?
Helichrysum italicum prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Helichrysum italicum need?
Helichrysum italicum grows best in chalk and loam soil. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Helichrysum italicum grow?
Helichrysum italicum reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Helichrysum italicum hardy in the UK?
Helichrysum italicum 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 italicum?
Rooting semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
More in the Helichrysum genus
- Helichrysum OrientaleEverlasting
- Helichrysum italicum microphyllumCurry Plant
- Helichrysum 'Sulphur Light'
- Helichrysum IschiaEverlasting