Overview
Helichrysum italicum serotinum is a bushy, spreading branched perennial subshrub in the genus Helichrysum, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Helichrysum italicum serotinum grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and alkaline and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include herb garden, rock garden and borders. It is native to Mediterranean region.
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.
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
- Sandy, Loamy
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained, Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing
- Exposure
- Full sun
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Helichrysum italicum serotinum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial subshrub
- Habit
- Bushy, Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Suggested uses
- Herb garden, rock garden, borders
- Native to
- Mediterranean region
- Fragrance
- Strong curry-like scent
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Helichrysum italicum serotinum
- Cultivation
- Prefers well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, drought tolerant once established
- Pruning
- Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape
- Propagation
- Cuttings, seed
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus, Downy mildews, Powdery mildews
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Helichrysum italicum serotinum?
Prefers well-drained soil, avoid overwatering, drought tolerant once established.
Where is the best place to plant Helichrysum italicum serotinum?
Helichrysum italicum serotinum prefers full sun. It suits full sun positions.
What soil does Helichrysum italicum serotinum need?
Helichrysum italicum serotinum grows best in sandy and loamy soil. It prefers alkaline and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays well-drained to moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Helichrysum italicum serotinum?
Light pruning after flowering to maintain shape.
How big does Helichrysum italicum serotinum grow?
Helichrysum italicum serotinum reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Helichrysum italicum serotinum hardy in the UK?
Helichrysum italicum serotinum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Helichrysum italicum serotinum?
Cuttings, seed.
More in the Helichrysum genus
- Helichrysum OrientaleEverlasting
- Helichrysum italicum microphyllumCurry Plant
- Helichrysum 'Sulphur Light'
- Helichrysum IschiaEverlasting