Helichrysum italicum

How to grow Helichrysum italicum

To grow Helichrysum italicum, choose a sunny to partly shaded spot with well-draining soil. This hardy, evergreen plant thrives in a range of soils but prefers slightly sandy or loamy conditions and dislikes heavy, waterlogged ground. When planting, dig in some compost to improve soil structure and drainage. Position the plant so the crown is just above soil level and water it well after planting. Once established, Helichrysum italicum is drought-tolerant, needing only occasional watering during extended dry periods. It benefits from a light trim after flowering or in early spring to maintain its neat, compact shape and encourage fresh, dense growth. Fertilizing isn't usually necessary, but a light application of a general-purpose fertilizer in spring can promote vigour. It’s perfect for borders, rock gardens, containers, and coastal gardens due to its tolerance of wind and salt spray.

Is the curry plant Helichrysum italicum edible?

Helichrysum italicum (commonly called curry plant) is technically edible, but it is not typically eaten as a vegetable or main herb like culinary herbs such as basil or rosemary. Its leaves have a strong curry-like aroma, but the flavour is quite bitter and resinous, which makes it unsuitable for direct eating. Instead, it is sometimes used to flavour oils, stocks, or stews by adding the whole sprig during cooking and removing it before serving, similar to how bay leaves are used. It’s more commonly valued for its aromatic qualities in cooking, potpourri, and essential oil production rather than for direct consumption.

Helichrysum italicum for sale

The Plant Company has the best Helichrysum italicum for sale in NZ. Our production nursery specialises in growing amazing plants and our logistics team pack them carefully for our customers. The pricing is competitive and the quality is exceptional. Let us look after your plant needs and impress you with both our products and service!

What are the Helichrysum italicum benefits?

Helichrysum italicum (Curry Plant) offers a range of benefits, especially in aromatherapy, skincare, and landscaping. Its essential oil, often called immortelle or everlasting oil, is prized for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and healing properties. It’s commonly used in natural remedies to reduce skin inflammation, speed wound healing, soothe burns, and minimize scars. In aromatherapy, the oil is valued for promoting relaxation, relieving stress, and supporting respiratory health. In the garden, Helichrysum italicum is appreciated for its drought tolerance, resistance to pests, and ability to attract beneficial insects like bees. Its silvery foliage and strong curry scent also make it an excellent ornamental plant for dry, coastal, or Mediterranean-style gardens.

How to use Helichrysum italicum in cooking

To use Helichrysum italicum (Curry Plant) in cooking, it’s best to treat it like a flavouring herb rather than a direct ingredient. The leaves have a strong, slightly bitter and resinous flavour that can overpower a dish if used too heavily. The most common method is to add whole sprigs to soups, stews, sauces, or roasts during cooking to infuse a subtle curry-like aroma, then remove the sprigs before serving, similar to using bay leaves. It pairs well with meats, root vegetables, and Mediterranean-style dishes. You can also lightly infuse olive oil by placing a few sprigs into the bottle, letting the flavor gently permeate over a few weeks. It’s not usually chopped into dishes like softer herbs because of its strong flavour and tough texture.