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which helichrysum is best

If you're wondering which helichrysum is best for your garden, you're not alone. This unique genus offers a range of beautiful foliage plants and groundcovers that bring silver and grey-green tones, soft texture, and drought tolerance to New Zealand gardens. While the best helichrysum for you depends on your personal preference and the site conditions, this guide will help you compare some of the top contenders widely grown and loved across Aotearoa.

Dianthus Memories

Dianthus Memories is a scented variety of Carnation that features masses of double, white, highly fragrant flowers. These stunning flowers are produced from spring through until late summer on short stems that rise above the foliage.

Buy Dianthus Memories

From $16.49

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate

Plant type: Perennials

Height: 30 cm

Spread: 30 cm

Flowering time: Spring, Summer

Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Patios, Pool areas

Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Rose Ann Turner

Rose Ann Turner is a climbing rose that features masses of double, pink flowers. The blooms emerge in spring and continue until autumn provided the spent flowers are removed. The foliage comprises small-sized, dark green leaves which provide a lovely backdrop to the flowers as it grows to 2 m tall and the same wide.

Buy Rose Ann Turner

From $30.29

Suited to regions: All regions

Plant type: Rose Plants

Height: 2.00 m

Spread: 2.00 m

Flowering time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Garden uses: Living areas

Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Cottage, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern

Choosing the Right Helichrysum for Your Garden

Before deciding which helichrysum is best, consider how you'll use the plant. Helichrysums thrive as groundcovers, fillers, trailing accent plants, and even in containers. Their soft, silver or grey-green foliage makes them particularly attractive in borders, rock gardens, or when paired with vibrant flowering shrubs and perennials.

Top Helichrysum Varieties in New Zealand

Helichrysum argyrophyllum

Helichrysum argyrophyllum is a superb choice if you're looking for a dense, cascading groundcover with striking silver foliage. Its trailing, mat-forming habit makes it perfect for walls, banks, and containers. Tiny yellow button blooms appear in summer, adding a cheerful touch. This variety is also highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Helichrysum Guacamole

For drama and bold colour, Helichrysum Guacamole stands out. It features larger, lush leaves with a soft silver-green hue and an upright habit, making it ideal for borders and mixed plantings. Its vibrant foliage works well as a contrast plant alongside deep greens and flamboyant blooms.

Helichrysum Silver

If you love the look of classic silver, Helichrysum Silver offers an elegant, shimmering mat of foliage. It’s loved for its neat, compact habit and ability to suppress weeds, making it a favourite for edging pathways or tumbling over retaining walls. Its resilience to coastal conditions makes it a go-to for seaside gardens.

Helichrysum Graeme Patterson

Helichrysum Graeme Patterson is a versatile groundcover and ideal for dry, tricky spots where little else thrives. With its soft, silvery foliage and trailing habit, it spreads easily but remains tidy. It works beautifully in pots, hanging baskets, and as a weed-suppressing layer beneath taller plants.

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

For a soft, textured effect, Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) delivers. Its velvety, silver-hued leaves have a gentle licorice scent and look wonderful spilling over pots or garden beds. Licorice Plant is prized for both its ornamental and aromatic qualities, thriving in full sun to partial shade.

Which Helichrysum Is Best for You?

The answer to "which helichrysum is best" depends on your garden’s needs and aesthetic goals. If you want a ground-hugging silver carpet, Helichrysum argyrophyllum or Helichrysum Silver are excellent picks. For more upright form or unique colour, consider Helichrysum Guacamole. If you need versatility and resilience, Helichrysum Graeme Patterson or the scented Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) won’t disappoint. With such adaptable and attractive options, there's a helichrysum ready to elevate any New Zealand garden.

Contact us

Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

which helichrysum is best

Dianthus Memories

Rose Ann Turner

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Choosing the Right Helichrysum for Your Garden