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Helichrysum italicum
Also called Curryplant, Italian Strawflower
A fragrant, woody-based Mediterranean subshrub grown for its silvery, curry-scented foliage and yellow everlasting flowers. It needs full sun, sharp drainage and a frost-free winter.
Helichrysum italicum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong fragrance of its leaves; other common names include Italian strawflower and immortelle. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60 centimetres (24 in) or more in height. The clusters of yellow flowers are produced in summer, retain their colour after picking, and are used in dried flower arrangements.
Helichrysum italicum is sometimes used as a spice. Although called "curry plant" and bearing the aroma of curry powder, it is not related to this mixture of spices nor the curry tree (Murraya koenigii), and is not used as masala for curry dishes. Rather, it has a resinous, somewhat bitter aroma reminiscent of sage or wormwood.
Helichrysum italicum is a tender perennial (USDA Zones 7–10). It is propagated by rooting semi-hardwood cuttings in summer and overwintering in frost-free conditions.
Strawflower · Helichrysum milfordiae · Eastern Strawflower · Licorice-plant · Red Everlasting · Cape Gold · Yellow amaranth · Strawflower · Jersey cudweed
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Helichrysum italicum by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts and the care summary drawn from them are shared under the same licence.
The care summary was written by AI (Claude, Anthropic) from the sources on this page, with general growing knowledge where they are silent. Check before relying on it.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
