Helichrysum amorginum Ruby Cluster

Helichrysum 'Red Jewel' is a wonderful hybrid everlasting selection with its red flowering set against a soft silver foliage, creating an exceptional contrast. Whether in the ground or in pots, it is a true ball of light that will enhance all other blooms and colorful foliage that accompany it. This sun-loving plant is a lovely novelty for balconies, seaside areas, and dry or waterless gardens in mild climates.

Helichrysum amorginum 'Red Jewel' is a 2017 English creation by Brenda Marion Bowyer. Just like the Italian everlasting, this species belongs to the large botanical family of Asteraceae. In its original regions, the amorginum everlasting is found in sunny spaces such as meadows and dry lawns, always on light and well-drained soils. The 'Red Jewel' variety forms a bushy, upright, and compact clump measuring 35cm (14in) tall by 40cm (16in) wide. It is a short-lived perennial that will benefit from regular pruning to maintain a dense habit, allowing it to age gracefully. It consists of numerous stems arising from a slightly suckering stump. Its soft foliage is silvery and woolly. The entire vegetation is covered with light and silky hairs, forming a short and dense felting, which becomes even whiter in dry conditions. The leaves, wider than those of Helichrysum italicum, are elongated, measuring 4-5cm (2in) in length, and tightly arranged on the stems, forming a very dense bush. Flowering occurs in April and May. It takes the form of small dark red flower buds, arranged in corymbs, before opening into numerous small deep red flowers. The flowers last a long time in dried bouquets, which is why this plant is called everlasting. The plant tolerates brief frosts of around -7°C (19.4°F) in well-drained conditions. It is evergreen under these conditions.

In the ground, Helichrysum 'Red Jewel' is used in rock gardens or in borders on gravel, at least in well-drained soils, in full sun, in regions spared from severe frosts. It is also an excellent plant for containers and flowering pots in colder regions. With its magnificent silver foliage and modest stature, this plant is an excellent companion for all its counterparts. For example, associate it with Cotton Lavenders, Salvias, and Hardy Geraniums. Also, consider the beautiful red blooms echoing the Carnations, Agastaches, and Armeria pseudarmeria 'Ballerina Red'. In pots, choose blue or violet Petunias, Scaevola, or Lobelias, all these plants will create scenes full of liveliness, even late in the season.