Helichrysum italicum Plug

Helichrysum or Curry Plant is a perennial undershrub, 30 to 40cm (12 to 16in) tall, commonly called Italian Immortelle, Curry Herb, or Everlasting. The highly aromatic leaves give off a strong curry fragrance. Its yellow flowers, gathered in heads, can be used to make beautiful dried bouquets. The plug plants of Helichrysum – curry plant are produced using organic methods. They can be planted in spring or autumn.

Native to the Mediterranean basin, Hélichrysum italicum is a perennial subshrub with dense tufts. Its silver-grey leaves are evergreen and highly aromatic, giving off a strong curry fragrance. However, Curry Herb is not used in the composition of curry used in cooking, which is a mixture of different spices.

Italian Immortal produces small yellow flowers gathered in heads throughout the summer. They can be used to make beautiful dried bouquets with a bright yellow colour. Hélichrysum italicum will integrate perfectly into rock gardens and perennial beds. Hardy down to -15°C, it thrives in all types of soils, including poor and rocky soils. It is indeed sensitive to overly wet soils. Fresh leaves can be used in cooking to flavour fish, grilled dishes, rice, poultry, or marinades. Add them at the end of cooking as their flavor in cooking is much less pronounced than the scent released in the garden. The leaves are used for flavouring but are rather indigestible, so it is preferable not to consume them.

Harvest: pick the flowers at the beginning of flowering to dry them. The evergreen leaves can be harvested throughout the year, as needed. Storage: 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 manure or black soap.