Helichrysum italicum the Curry Plant
Grown as an ornamental for the silvery grey foliage, the Curry Plant is Helichrysum italicum, and it is also widely grown as a herb.
The foliage itself is very aromatic, the plant grows well in poor soils and it tolerates heat and dry conditions.
Yellow flowers in summer are an attraction in the cottage garden. However it is for the healing properties of the essential oils extracted from the foliage that it is best known. A few common names are given including ‘Immortalle’ and ‘Everlasting’. It is used in the manufacture of cosmetics and sunscreen
The new shoots are sometimes used for flavouring meat, they are not eaten, simply used in the cooking process.
Landscaping Uses
It can be used as a low hedge or border plant and is also suited to growing in containers.
As the flowers retain their yellow colour after harvesting they do make an interesting dried flower.
Care
The Curry Plant will reach around 60 – 70 cm in height. It grows well in full sun and once established is remarkably hardy. It tolerates both frosts and drought.
After planting water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser and mulch around the plant lightly. Water through the first summer.
Maintenance revolves around pruning the plant to maintain a compact bushy habit.