Helichrysum Species, Curry Plant, Immortelle, Italian Strawflower

Helichrysumitalicum

Family
Asteraceae (ass-ter-AY-see-ee)
Genus
Helichrysum (hel-ih-KRY-sum)
Species
italicum (ee-TAL-ih-kum)
Synonym
Helichrysum angustifolium
Sun Exposure
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Evergreen
Good Fall Color
This plant is resistant to deer
Shiny/Glossy
Succulent
Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Bloom Color
Bright Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
Other Details
Category
Herbs
Perennials
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Bronze
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Flowers are fragrant
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From herbaceous stem cuttings
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
Seed Collecting
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Fontana, California

Merced, California

Santa Rosa, California

Tallahassee, Florida

Wakulla Springs, Florida

Honolulu, Hawaii

Wichita, Kansas

Florence, Mississippi

Las Vegas, Nevada

Farmington, New Mexico

Raleigh, North Carolina

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Abilene, Texas

Azle, Texas

Belton, Texas

Buda, Texas

Dallas, Texas

Houston, Texas

Manchaca, Texas

Richmond, Texas

Elma, Washington

Spokane, Washington

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Gardener's Notes:

15
positives
4
neutrals
1
negative
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P
| July 2013 | neutral

Just FYI, "cutty plant" is NOT the same as curry leaf tree, which is what is used as a flavoring. Murraya koenigii is the edible one.

C
C
Lewisburg, PA (Zone 6b) | August 2012 | neutral

Helichrysum is one of my favorite essential oils. It is extremely beneficial for topical skin care. This essential oil is GRAS - Generall...Read More

K
Buda, TX | August 2012 | negative

I just ruined a whole pot of stew with this plant. It has a STRONG bitter taste, in spite of it's delicious smell. Do not use it for co...Read More

G
| July 2012 | positive

I have one of these plants and love it, smells like maple syrup to me. U can eat it, treat it kinda like a rosemary plant, it does come f...Read More

L
Reno, TX | July 2012 | positive

Love this plant. Grows with no effort on my part whatsoever. Bought two in little four inch pots about four years ago and both are the ...Read More

S
Spokane, WA | June 2012 | positive

This plant is growing like crazy in Zone 5. It was free at the end of a season, so I thought I'd see if it could struggle through and sur...Read More

C
C
| January 2010 | positive

An excellent plant. I had one for several years, then it died (I think when we had a very hot weekend and it didn't get watered). I wan...Read More

R
Las Vegas, NV | March 2008 | positive

I just wanted to add this to the comments on this plant because no one else mentioned it. I discovered the plant while shopping for faci...Read More

M
Rockville, MD | February 2008 | positive

This plant is used for cooking, but unlike the indian curry leaves this plant is not eaten. Add it to soups or stews and remove it. It ...Read More

H
Lake Oswego, OR | June 2007 | positive

This is a great little herb! It grows amazingly well, looks nice, and smells nice. Though the odor can be a little over powering at tim...Read More

J
J
jic
(Zone 8a) | June 2007 | positive

ManicReality is mistaken: Helichrysum italicum is not used in Indian food, and got the name Curry Plant simply because it smells like cur...Read More

V
(Zone 8a) | May 2007 | positive

A new plant for me, found it in the herb section at one of my fave nurseries. While it smells like curry, I don't think you cook with it...Read More

J
| May 2007 | positive

I love this plant - its colour provides interest and structure in the herbaceous border and it smells wonderful when disturbed. It likes...Read More

M
Houston, TX (Zone 10a) | April 2007 | positive

Yes! It's edible, go by any Indian restaurant or look online for Indian recipes.... Your nose knows... I love the smell of this plant, I ...Read More

G
Tallahassee, FL | April 2006 | positive

I was told it was not "really" edible at Tallahassee Nursery, so I'm wondering if it is or not. I'll keep searching the web for more inf...Read More

S
| March 2004 | neutral

We brought this plant because of its very interesting smell! Thank you for confirming with us that we could you it to flavour food as we ...Read More

K
Raleigh, NC (Zone 8a) | January 2004 | positive

This is a drought and sun tolerant plant surviving upon a stacked stone wall with a full western sun exposure close to a large pine tree....Read More

T
Piedmont, MO (Zone 6a) | January 2004 | positive

The fragrance of these seems to be variable. Mine smells like a candy bar from the old days: Bit 'O Honey. Lovely silver foliage, drought...Read More

S
| November 2003 | positive

I have this growing in the dwarf variety, it's silver foliage is almost white and stunning against the red brick path. The nursery told ...Read More

J
J
Oakland, CA (Zone 9b) | November 2002 | neutral

Just found these curiosities at a local store and purchased some. The curry scent is very real and unusual, to say the least. Can't find ...Read More

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