Helichrysum italicum subsp. italicum

RHS Plant Profile

curry plant

John Fielding

Synonyms

Helichrysum angustifolium
Gnaphalium angustifolium

Herbaceous Perennial

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An evergreen subshrub or woody-based perennial to 70cm high, with aromatic, narrowly linear, silvery leaves to 4cm long. Produces flat to dome-shaped flowerheads to 8cm across, made up of clusters of tiny bright yellow florets tightly packed in cylindrical bracts, from early to late summer. Flowers open out to release fluffy white seeds in autumn

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H4

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Foliage

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Bushy, Spreading branched
Genus: Helichrysum can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or shrubs, usually with grey-hairy foliage and papery everlasting flower-heads
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in a poor to moderately fertile, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun. Protect from cold drying winds, hard frosts and winter wet

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sown as soon as ripe, or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Coastal
Cottage and informal garden
Gravel garden
Mediterranean climate plants
Patio and container plants

Pruning

Pruning group 10 in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May 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