What is a Helichrysum?
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Strawflower, Curry plant, Dwarf Everlast, and Licorice Plant Members of the Helichrysum genus are half hardy annuals or hardy perennial plants that flower from summer through to the first frost of winter. They carry long lasting paper like flowers of orange, yellow, red, or white; the flowers may be two-coloured.
How tall does Helichrysum italicum grow?
Helichrysum italicum is an evergreen aromatic sub-shrub. It reaches from 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 feet) in height. Plants carry yellow flowers, which typically flower in May and June in its native Italy. Helichrysum italicum flower, photograph by It's No Game; CC.
How do you care for a Helichrysum plant?
Test soil for dryness and water once or twice each week after plants are established. Helichrysum prefers dry conditions. Pinch flowers starting three weeks after propagation to encourage the plant to branch. Encourage flowers to grow large and wide by pinching all but one bud to direct the plant’s energy to the solitary flower.
What is another name for Helichrysum bracteatum?
Some of the common names for Helichrysum include Curry plant, Immortelle, Licorice plant and Strawflower. Helichrysum bracteatum / Xerochrysum bracteatum by Terra Vermelha; creative commons.
Are Helichrysum plants perennial?
Helichrysum are annual, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or shrubs. Grey-green, hairy foliage and thick, dark stems are topped with crepe-paper like, everlasting flower-heads throughout the summer. They are best suited to containers, flower beds and borders within courtyard, coastal and informal garden settings.
Is Helichrysum cold hardy?
Silver Curry Bush is a small growing evergreen plant from Western China that has clusters of yellow yarrow-like flowers and bright white foliage. It thrives in dry, hot conditions and is very cold tolerant.
What do I do with my Helichrysum plant?
The plant grows in full sun or partial shade but doesn't tolerate full shade or cold temperatures. Most well-drained soils are suitable. Plant Helichrysum curry seeds indoors in early spring, or directly in the ground after you're sure all danger of frost has passed. Seeds germinate best at temperatures of 63 to 74 F.
Should you deadhead Helichrysum?
Growing Tips Water during periods of heat and drought. Avoid overwatering and keep weeds to a minimum. Prune or deadhead to encourage new growth and extended blooming. Stake tall stems as needed.
Can Helichrysum survive winter?
Helichrysum petiolare This attractive foliage plant doesn't do as well in its second year, so it is only worth overwintering them if you want cutting material in spring.
Is Helichrysum easy to grow?
Helichrysum is bushy and is well suited to perennial flower beds and also to growing in pots. Easy to grow, it particularly appreciates surroundings that are under the influence of the sea. Its distinctive fragrance is similar to that of curry.
Can Helichrysum be grown in pots?
This is an excellent plant for hot, dry locations or for growing in containers.
Can you take cuttings from Helichrysum?
Taking Cuttings Take cuttings from the current season's growth that have woody bases and a soft, new tips. Cut 4 to 6 inches of stem, just below a leaf. Wrap the cutting in a moist paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. Don't expose the cutting to direct sun or it will dry out.
Which Helichrysum plant is best?
The best known and most sought-after species is Helichrysum italicum. Also known as Immortelle or curry plant, this tiny shrub grows in the Mediterranean (Italy, France, Croatia, Slovenia).
Can Helichrysum grow in shade?
The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Where does Helichrysum grow?
the MediterraneanHelichrysum italicum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. Other common names include Italian strawflower and immortelle. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean.
How do you preserve Helichrysum?
Once harvested, strip the foliage from the stems. Tie the stems into small bunches with rubber bands. Hang the loose bunches upside down in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place, such as an attic or shed. (Harvested flowers are usually hung to dry so that the stems dry straight.)
How often should I water helichrysum?
Water thoroughly when the top 25% of the soil feels dry to touch. Helichrysum Ribbons are hardy plants that are drought-tolerant, but grow better with regular watering. During dry times, more watering may be needed, and during rainy times, less watering may be needed.
What is helichrysum?
Helichrysum is the Latin name for a flowering plant meaning “immortal” or “everlasting.” It grows wild in the Mediterranean region of southern Europe. Famous for its exotic, spicy scent, many perfume makers use helichrysum in their products.
Does deer eat curry leaves?
It is a natural repellent toward deer and other pests. The seeds of a curry plant need to be planted in February or March.
What is silver stitch plant?
Grower Information: Silver is a dwarf curry helichrysum series that provides superior branching, drought tolerance and offers great performance in the garden. The soft, silver foliage makes for great accent plants, and can carry the striking color in mixed containers as well.
What are some names for Helichrysum?
Some of the common names for Helichrysum include Curry plant, Immortelle, Licorice plant and Strawflower.
Where does Helichrysum essential oil come from?
Miscellaneous: Helichrysum essential oil is often sourced from the Helichrysum gymnocephalum plant. The oil contains Eucalyptol, which is reported to support antiseptic and antibacterial processes. A member of the Sunflower plant and Aster plant family ( Asteraceae ).
What is the name of the flower that grows in the winter?
Gardener's HQ Guide to Growing Strawflower, Curry plant, Dwarf Everlast, and Licorice Plant. Members of the Helichrysum genus are half hardy annuals or hardy perennial plants that flower from summer through to the first frost of winter. They carry long lasting paper like flowers of orange, yellow, red, or white; the flowers may be two-coloured.
Why is Helichrysum italicum called Curry?
It gets its common name 'the Curry plant' because it has a similar smell to curry, and indeed this plant may be used as a spice. Though it smell is more reminiscent of plants belonging to the Artemisia plant and Salvia plant genera. Ideally, grow Helichrysum italicum in a part of the garden that has full sunlight.
How tall is Helichrysum vestitum?
Helichrysum vestitum by Peter Baker; creative commons. They reach about 30 cm to 1.2 m (one to four feet) in height. Some of the common names for Helichrysum include Curry plant, Immortelle, Licorice plant and Strawflower.
Where is Helichrysum petiolare native to?
Helichrysum petiolare is a native of southern Africa and is commonly referred to as the (Licorice) Liquorice plant.
What kind of flowers do wild plants have?
Wild-type plants have tiny white flowers, but cultivars with pink, yellow, or orange flowers are also available.
What are Some Helichrysum Species?
Helichrysum Italicum, more commonly going by the names of curry plant, Italian strawflower, or immortelle, is one of the most popularly known of the helichrysum species.
Where is Helichrysum a Native Plant?
They can be found growing wild in sunny, dry areas all over Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa. Outside of their natural growing range that can exist in USDA zones 8 through 11.
What are the Growing Conditions of the Helichrysum Plant?
Planting helichrysum is a wonderful way to contribute to the local wildlife economy, and it also gives you access to a plant with both medicinal properties and edible components! It does it all! Just follow some of these tips to help keep it happy and healthy.
How are Helichrysum Plants Used?
You can’t get a much better ornamental plant that helichrysum. They’re beautiful, they’re a great companion plant for your show stoppers, and on top of that, they’re they perfect cut flower as well!
What are the different types of helichrysum?
helichrysum italicum (Helichrysum angustifolium) 1 Woody-based perennial in Zones LS, CS, TS; USDA 8-11; can be grown as annual elsewhere. 2 From southern Europe. 3 Spreading, branching plant to 2 feet high, about as broad, with crowded, narrow, nearly white leaves to 112 inches long. 4 Leaves emit a strong fragrance of curry powder when bruised or pinched; though they are not used in curry, a few can add a pleasant aroma to a salad or meat dish. 5 Bright yellow, 12 inches flower heads appear in clusters 2 inches across, midsummer to autumn.
How big are prickly pompons?
To 23 feet tall, 1 feet wide, with straplike, 2- to 5 inches-long, medium green leaves. Blooms from summer until frost, bearing many papery, 212 inches flowers that look like prickly pompons. Colors include yellow, orange, red, pink, and white. Known as everlasting because its blossoms last indefinitely when dried.
Is Helichrysum angustifolium perennial?
helichrysum italicum (Helichrysum angustifolium) Woody-based perennial in Zones LS, CS, TS; USDA 8-11; can be grown as annual elsewhere. From southern Europe. Spreading, branching plant to 2 feet high, about as broad, with crowded, narrow, nearly white leaves to 112 inches long.
What is a helichrysum?
Common names include curry plant, starflower, licorice plant, dwarf everlast and immortelle. In the United States, helichrysum can be grown as a half-hardy annual in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 2 to 10, or cultivated to grow as a perennial in zones 5 to 10 where the weather is warmer. Colors range from yellow to white, red to orange ...
How to grow helichrysum from seed?
Purchase helichrysum seeds or seedlings. Start seeds indoors, if you prefer, or sow seeds directly into the soil a few days before the last frost date in your area. Space seeds 18 inches apart to allow ample room for helichrysum to grow tall and bushy. Schedule starting seeds indoors so they will germinate three weeks after the last frost date.
Who is Cheryl Munson?
Writer Bio. Cheryl Munson has been writing since 1990, with experience as a writer and creative director in the advertising industry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a focus on advertising from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
Features
Helichrysum petiolare has velvety soft silver foliage and a spreading habit, making it well-suited for combining with bright flowering annuals. Stunning when planted in large masses to create a soothing and cooling zone in sun soaked locations.
Uses
Perfect for all kinds of containers, including window boxes, hanging baskets and combination planters. Looks great in rock gardens.
