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.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Helichrysum genus
- Helichrysum italicum microphyllumCurry Plant
- Helichrysum 'Sulphur Light'
- Helichrysum IschiaEverlasting