Helichrysum milfordiae
Milford everlasting flower
An evergreen perennial forming a compact mat comprised of rosettes of small silvery leaves. Solitary white everlasting flower-heads 2-3cm wide, deep crimson on reverse are borne on stems to 10cm in spring
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Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red White | Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Helichrysum can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or shrubs, usually with grey-hairy foliage and papery everlasting flower-heads
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S. Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moderately fertile, gritty, sharply drained soil in full sun. Protect from excessive winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Seed is best sown fresh as soon as ripe in the autumn or sow in spring. Divide in spring. Take single rosette cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
Pruning
Remove spent flowers and winter damaged stems
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
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