Helichrysum angustifolium

Helichrysum angustifolium (italicum) Tall Curry, also known as Corsican Tall Curry Immortelle, or sometimes Italian Immortelle, is a particularly aromatic selection of this Mediterranean perennial shrub nicknamed Curry Plant. From an ornamental point of view, it is appreciated for its golden yellow summer flowering and its very bright light grey foliage reminiscent of lavender. A sun-loving and arid soil plant, Helichrysum excels in rock gardens or dry gardens. It can also be planted along the edge of the vegetable garden or grown in a pot with very well-drained soil. 

Native to the Mediterranean basin, Helichrysum angustifolium belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is a perennial subshrub with a dense and bushy habit. Its growth is quite rapid, reaching about 50cm (20in) in height and 40cm (16in) in spread. Its leaves are evergreen, small, narrow, and elongated, with a silver light grey colour. Highly aromatic, they release a powerful curry scent when touched by the wind, in hot weather or after rain. A rare and precious essential oil is extracted from these leaves. Tall Curry Italian Immortelle produces small yellow flowers grouped in heads throughout the summer. They can be used to make beautiful dried bouquets with a bright yellow colour.

Tall Curry Helichrysum angustifolium integrates perfectly into rock gardens and beds composed of perennials and small shrubs in dry soil. It is always successful when combined with lavender, thyme, and rosemary. Hardy up to -15°C, it thrives in light soils, including poor and rocky ones, and dislikes excessively moist soils in both winter and summer. The fresh flowers can be used in cooking to add flavour to fish, grilled meat, rice, poultry, or marinades. Add them towards the end of cooking, as their culinary aroma is much less pronounced than the scent released in the garden. The leaves are used for flavouring, but they are rather indigestible and it is preferable not to consume them. This plant grows well in pots and pleasantly perfumes a terrace.

Harvesting: Pick the flowers at the beginning of flowering to dry them. The evergreen leaves can be harvested throughout the year as needed. Preservation: For bouquets, dry the flower stems upside down in a dark room. They will keep for a long time this way. As for the leaves, they are used fresh. Gardener's tip: If aphids or caterpillars invade the curry plant, use nettle solution or black soap.