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How to Grow Helichrysum Plants in your Garden

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.

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.

How to Grow Curry Plant (Helichrysum Plant)

When growing curry plants and other Helichrysum members sow the seed on the surface after the last frost of spring.

It may be best to start growing curry plants (Helichrysum) indoors first to get a head start.

The growing process should start about eight weeks before putting the plant outdoors, a few weeks after the last frost of spring.

Germination will take from one to three weeks and should be performed in the light at a temperature of about 18 to 23 degrees Centigrade (65°F to 73°F).

Once the seedlings are ready for transplanting, they should be spaced at about 20 cm (8 inches) apart (small varieties) to 40 cm (16 inches) apart (larger species).

Helichrysum prefer to grow in sunny areas with a sandy soil of pH 6 to 7, though they will tolerate poor soil too.

Helichrysum bracteatum
Helichrysum bracteatum / Xerochrysum bracteatum by Terra Vermelha; creative commons.

Caring for Helichrysum Plants in the Garden

Once growing, if you require more Helichrysum plants, then cuttings can be took in the summer. Or you can simply let the Curry plant set seed, and allow it to grow by itself.

An interesting trick with the Helichrysum plant is to remove all of the flowers but one, on each inflorescent stem; this will result in single big flowers atop of each stem.

Helichrysum Species

Helichrysum petiolare: Liquorice plant

Helichrysum petiolare is a native of southern Africa and is commonly referred to as the (Licorice) Liquorice plant.

It has a distinct liquorice smell, hence it's common name.

They reach about 45 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches)in height, with a spread of about 90 to 120 cm (1.2 m).

Plants are perennial sub-shrubs, with a trailing nature. Stems are woody, while the gray-green leaves help to give the plant a silvery appearance. These leaves are ovoid to circular in shape, and have a soft, somewhat wooly, texture. Its dense foliage and trailing nature make for attractive and aromatic groundcover plant.

Wild-type plants have tiny white flowers, but cultivars with pink, yellow, or orange flowers are also available.

Helichrysum Petiolare Variegata leaves
Leaves of Helichrysum Petiolare Variegata cultivar, photograph by Serres Fortier; CC.

It grows well is US zones 9 to 11, so is hardy to about −1°C (30°F). This puts it into between RHS zone H2 to H3, but it should more likely classed as a tender as opposed to a half-hardy plant because it will struggle if freezing occurs over concurrent days.

one of the most important things for successful growth is excellent drainage. They enjoys full sunlight and can also be grown in partial shade. Average and poor soils should be fine, with drier soils ideal.

Liquorice plant coverage
Liquorice plant growing en-masse as coverage, photograph by Forest and Kim Starr; CC.

If you are planning to grow Helichrysum Petiolare plants in cooler areas, then plant into containers and bring indoors at the first hint of any frost.

These plants are not usually grown for their flowers, so you may wish to remove them as they appear.

Helichrysum gymnocephalum

Helichrysum gymnocephalum is seldom grown as a garden plant but more oft used in the creation of essential oils.

Helichrysum gymnocephalum
Dried Helichrysum gymnocephalum, photograph by R. Decary (Public domain).

Helichrysum italicum: Curry Plant, Italian Strawflower, Everlasting flower

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
Helichrysum italicum flower, photograph by It's No Game; CC.

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. It prefers aa poor to moderate sandy (or rocky) dry soil, that has good drainage. Plants are drought tolerant. The soil pH can be neutral or alkaline. As it is frost tender it does well to UK RHS zone H3 (-5°C, 23°F), and USDA zones 8 to 11 in North America.

This plant is linked to numerous medicinal properties: See this article listed on Research gate for both its traditional and modern usages.

Curry Plant
Shaped Curry Plant bush, photograph by cultivar413; CC.

Helichrysum arenarium: Dwarf everlast, Yellow everlasting

Helichrysum arenarium is a dwarf member of the genus. It is a perennial that reaches about 30 cm (one foot) in height.

Plants carry two types of leaves, elliptical at the bottom of the plant, and linear towards the top. Flowers are yellow and are a rich source of phenolic compounds. See Frontiers in Plant Science for its botanical uses.

It readily grows in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 8, making it hardy to about -35°C (-30°F). It is considered hardy in the UK at RHS zone 4.

Helichrysum arenarium grows well in sandy soils and loam that has good drainage.

Helichrysum arenarium Dwarf Everlast
Helichrysum arenarium, the Dwarf everlast, image by Rob bakker; CC.

Helichrysum Growing and Care Guide

Common Names: Curry Plant, Strawflower, Licorice Plant, Dwarf Everlast, Golden Everlasting, Immortelle.
Family: Asteraceae.
Life Cycle: Half hardy annual. Hardy perennial.
Height: 12 to 36 inches (30 to 90 cm).
Native: Europe, Asia, Australasia, Africa.

Growing Region: USDA Zones 2 to 11 (annual or in containers). As a perennial in zones 8 to 11. UK H3 (Winter hardy to -5°C (23°F)).
Flowers: Summer to last frost.
Flower Details: All colours but blue. Daisy/sunflower-like ray and disc florets.
Foliage: Oblong. Lanceolate

Sow Outside: Surface. Following the last frost. Spacing 8 to 16 inches (20 to 40 cm).
Sow Inside: Best started indoors to give the plants a head start outside. Germination time: one to three weeks. Temperature 70°F (21°C). Seven or eight weeks in advance. Transplant outdoors a few weeks after the last frost.

Requirements: Full sunlight. Soil pH 6 to 7. Sandy soil. Dry soils. Occasional watering. To produce large flowers remove flowering buds from the stem; just leave one bud; all of the plants energy will be diverted into the single flower. Can be readily grown in containers in cooler areas. Propagate: Semi-hardwood cuttings can be rooted in the summer.
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).

Common Questions

How many members does the Helichrysum genus have?

The Helichrysum genus is quite large, consisting of around 600 species known for their papery, long-lasting blooms.

Do members of Helichrysum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Yes, many species of Helichrysum, like the Strawflower, are grown for their attractive and long-lasting flowers that add color to any landscape.

Which Helichrysum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

The Helichrysum bracteatum, also known as Strawflower, is very popular for its unique, vibrant blooms.

Are members of the Helichrysum plant genus fragrant?

Yes, some Helichrysum species like the Curry Plant (Helichrysum italicum) are known for their strong, distinctive fragrance.

What is the perfect location to grow Helichrysum?

Helichrysum plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil, making them great for rock gardens or areas with good drainage.

Is Helichrysum invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

At present, Helichrysum is not listed as invasive in the USA.

How do I remove Helichrysum plants from my garden?

Helichrysum can be removed by digging up the entire plant, ensuring that all roots are removed to prevent re-growth.

Summary

The Helichrysum genus is a part of the Asteraceae family. They are often known as everlasting flowers due to the long-lasting, dried flower heads. A commonly grown species is Helichrysum italicum, known as the curry plant.

To cultivate Helichrysum, plant in a sunny location with well-drained soil. It tolerates poor soil and drought conditions well. The plants can be grown from seeds or cuttings. They are usually planted in the spring after the risk of frost has passed.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Helichrysum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: How to grow Coreopsis and Cosmos plants.