Helichrysum
Everlasting paper daisy, Everlasting sunflower, Straw daisy, Strawflower
- Height × spread
- 0.46m – 0.6m × 0.46m – 1m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Generally available in Spring, Summer & Autumn
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 500 species of Helichrysum, both perennial and shrubby forms. Many of them make useful small shrubs with fine foliage. The foliage is in shades of silver and green, including lime green and grey. Helichrysum petiolare with its soft rounded leaves in varying colours is popular in a container where its somewhat rigid branches provide a counterpoint to all the soft foliage forms. The curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) is a notable member of the family. These shrubs are generally much less than a metre in height. They enjoy dry and sunny positions and are often used in dry or gravel gardens. A number of forms of Helichrysum have been reassigned to the Ozothamnus and Xerochrysum families.
- Flower colour
- Yellow
- Foliage colour
- Green, Grey
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes, some varieties
- Shape
- Bell, Dome
- Height
- 0.46m – 0.6m
- Spread
- 0.46m – 1m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Small scale garden, Seaside garden, Scented garden, Rock garden, Mediterranean garden, Herb garden, Gravel garden, Cottage garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal), Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Well drained soil, Dry soil, Drought resistant
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, some are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bedding plant, Structural, Deer resistant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water during dry periods
For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - mid · Planting
Prune young growth
Remove most of the young growth that the plant has made in the previous season. Leave just around 2 centimetres of young growth on the plant. Don't cut into old wood unless it is diseased or damaged.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Planting & general
Outdoors
Water some varieties differently
Some plants within this genus have additional requirements for water. It is best to look up your specific plant, or the species it belongs to for watering guidance.
Outdoor planting · Planting
Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole
Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.
Compost · Planting
Multi-purpose compost
Use a good quality peat-free multi-purpose compost when growing in pots and containers.
Found in
More Helichrysum
Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht'
Straw flower
Helichrysum Ruby Cluster = 'Blorub'
Everlasting paper daisy
Helichrysum cymosum 'Silver Moon'
Gold carpet
Helichrysum italicum
Curry plant
Helichrysum italicum 'Korma'
Curry plant, Korma curry plant
Helichrysum petiolare
Liquorice plant
Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight'
Liquorice plant
Helichrysum petiolare 'Roundabout'
Liquorice plant