About

Helichrysum Orientale is the type species of the genus Helichrysum in the sunflower family and gives its name to a large group of everlastings. Plants in the genus may be annuals, herbaceous perennials or shrubs and often produce many daisy-like capitula in flat-topped clusters. Leaves are oblong to lanceolate and pubescent on both surfaces; mature plants commonly reach about 60–90 cm. Flowering in the UK runs June to September.

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

In the garden

Helichrysum Orientale sits at the centre of a genus that contains several hundred species spread through Africa (with many in South Africa), Madagascar, Australasia and Eurasia. Species within the group vary in form from annuals to perennials and shrubs, but H. Orientale shares the genus’s characteristic daisy-like flowerheads borne in multiple capitula and arranged into flat-topped corymbs or panicles. Plants typically form stems that reach roughly 60–90 cm and carry oblong to lanceolate leaves that are pubescent on both faces. For display and drying, allow the flowerheads to develop fully: their papery bracts persist after cutting and can be used fresh or dried. Sit specimens where the clusters are visible and where air can circulate around the foliage to reduce shading of the flowerheads. Aim to avoid prolonged waterlogging and give plants room to reach their natural height; this genus habit suits gravel beds, the front of mixed borders or warm, stony pockets in a bed. Regular removal of spent heads will keep the display tidy through the season. The papery bracts of Helichrysum Orientale make its summer flowerheads especially useful for both summer bouquets and long-lasting dried arrangements.

More in the Helichrysum genus

• 
  Helichrysum italicum microphyllumCurry Plant
• Helichrysum 'Sulphur Light'
• Helichrysum IschiaEverlasting