About
Helichrysum milfordiae, the Milford everlasting flower, is an evergreen perennial forming a compact mat of rosettes of small, silvery leaves. Solitary, white, everlasting flowerheads 2�3 cm wide, deep crimson on the reverse, are borne on stems to 10 cm in spring. A beautiful and ornamental alpine Helichrysum for a sunny, very well-drained rock garden.
About the genus
Helichrysum are annuals, perennials and evergreen shrubs with typically grey- or white-hairy foliage and papery, 'everlasting' flowerheads in yellow, white, pink or orange. Grown for their foliage and long-lasting blooms in sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAlpine Rockery
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
HeightUp to 10 cm
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden
Native toS. Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, gritty, sharply drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
PruningRemove spent flowers and winter damaged stems
PropagationPropagate by seed. Seed is best sown fresh as soon as ripe in the autumn or sow in spring. Divide in spring. Take single rosette cuttings in summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility. May also be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews