Overview
Helichrysum spp. is a genus of about 600 species of annuals, perennials, and small shrubs in the family Asteraceae, with the greatest concentration of species in southern Africa and Madagascar and others spread through Africa, Eurasia, and Australasia. Plants range from 4 to 48 inches (10 to 120 cm) tall, many forming low mounds of narrow leaves that are frequently grey or silver with a covering of woolly hairs and aromatic when bruised. The flower heads consist of tightly packed disc florets surrounded by stiff, papery bracts that hold their colour and form long after drying, the trait behind the everlasting name. Bract colours include yellow, white, pink, red, and orange depending on the species. H. italicum is grown for its curry-scented grey foliage, H. petiolare as a trailing silver foliage plant, and several species for cut-and-dried flowers. Most grow on hot, dry, sharply drained sites and decline in heavy, wet soil. Flowering occurs mainly in summer, and the dried heads persist on the plant or in arrangements. The genus has been split repeatedly, and some plants once placed here now sit in Xerochrysum spp. and related genera.
Native Range
Native across Africa, Eurasia, and Australasia, with the center of diversity in southern Africa and Madagascar. H. italicum and H. petiolare originate around the Mediterranean and in South Africa respectively.Suggested Uses
Grown in gravel and Mediterranean gardens, as silver foliage in borders and containers, and as a source of cut-and-dried everlasting flowers. H. italicum is used as a low aromatic edging. Trailing species soften the edges of pots and walls.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 4'
Width/Spread8" - 3'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in summer, from June to September in temperate gardens. The papery heads open over many weeks and hold their colour as they dry. Dried heads persist on the plant well into autumn.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
yellow, white, pink, red, and orangeFoliage Description
grey to silver-green, woollyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Helichrysum spp. species grow in full sun on light, sharply drained soils and tolerate poor, sandy, and stony ground. They withstand heat and drought once established and decline in wet or shaded conditions, where the woolly foliage rots. Soil pH from 6.0 to 7.5 suits most species. Many South African and Mediterranean species are tender and are grown as annuals or lifted under glass where winters are cold. Light, regular trimming keeps shrubby species compact and limits the bare, woody base that develops with age.Pruning
A trim in spring removes winter-damaged growth and shapes shrubby species before new growth begins. Shearing after flowering keeps foliage plants such as H. petiolare dense. Cutting into old leafless wood is avoided, as regrowth from bare stems is sparse.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons