annual

Curry Plant

Helichrysum italicum

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Curry Plant (Helichrysum italicum) at Canadale Nurseries

Curry Plant

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Curry Plant (Helichrysum italicum) at Canadale Nurseries

Curry Plant foliage

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  24 inches

Spacing:  24 inches

Sunlight:  full sun 

Hardiness Zone:  (annual)

Description:

A small, bushy evergreen shrub that produces curry scented silvery foliage topped with long lasting yellow flowers in summer; will not grow in shade and prefers some shelter

Ornamental Features

Curry Plant is covered in stunning clusters of yellow flowers at the ends of the branches in mid summer. Its attractive tomentose narrow leaves remain silver in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Curry Plant is a multi-stemmed annual with a mounded form. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Curry Plant is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Rock/Alpine Gardens
  • General Garden Use
  • Groundcover
  • Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Curry Plant will grow to be about 24 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 24 inches apart. Its foliage tends to remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. Although it's not a true annual, this fast-growing plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist growing conditions, but will not tolerate any standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by cuttings.

Curry Plant is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It can be used either as 'filler' or as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, depending on the height and form of the other plants used in the container planting. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Accent  Rock  Garden  Groundcover  Container 
Applications
Flowers  Foliage Color  Texture  Plant Form 
Ornamental Features