Photo of Helichrysum italicum form by Zubro

Photo by Zubro

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Helichrysum italicum

Also Known As

  • Helichrysum angustifolium
  • Curry Plant

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 18"-24"
  • W: 18"-24"

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

Helichrysum italicum plant details

Helichrysum italicum is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with blue and white foliage. In summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Helichrysum italicum

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and white
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in summer
Uses: curry-scented, dwarf, fragrant, long-blooming

GROWING CONDITIONS for Helichrysum italicum

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Drought tolerant and bright with 3" wide flower heads of many small yellow flowers on 1-2' stems densely clothed in narrow silver foliage. S/M-D/GDr
Yellow flower. Gray foliage.
They really do have the fragrance of curry! Grows to 18" tall and wide with lovely silver leaves, followed by yellow flowers in summer. Well-drained soil, sun, and little summer water once established. A very easy plant to grow and said to be resistant to deer as well. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8.
First of all I have learned that there are two “Curry Plants” (the other one is subspecies serotinum), but this is the one that will survive our wet winters. As its common name suggests, the narrow, silvery-grey leaves of this dense, dwarf sub shrub smell strongly of curry. The small everlasting bright yellow flower heads are produced on long, eminently cuttable white stalks. Grows to 18”x24.” Native to dry rocky places in the Mediterranean regions.
Nearly white linear leaves emit the fragrance of curry powder on 2' x 2' woody perennial. Don't use this one as a spice, though. No damage after single digit winter freeze.

Gardening facts about Helichrysum italicum plant

How to Grow Helichrysum italicum

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • white
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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