Curry Plant Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht'
ABOUT
Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht', more commonly known as the curry plant due to the strong aroma its leaves produce reminiscent of curry powder, exhibits a striking visual appeal. The plant displays narrow, silvery-gray leaves that are delicate to the touch, creating a fine, almost velvety texture. The silver-gray foliage serves as a perfect backdrop for the bright yellow, small, button-like flowers that appear in clusters, creating a vibrant contrast. The flowers resemble tiny golden suns and are a magnet for beneficial insects like bees and butterflies. The overall aspect of Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht' is one of brightness and cheer—even without blossoms, the silver foliage provides a focal point in garden settings. The plant's compact and bushy form, combined with the color and texture, makes it a favorite for adding variety and interest to any planting area it adorns.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Curry Plant, Immortelle, Everlasting Flower, Strawflower.
Common names
Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Curry Plant is not widely recognized as toxic to humans. Typically, there are no severe symptoms associated with ingesting this plant, but it is always advisable to be cautious with the consumption of plants not meant for human ingestion, as they could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Curry Plant is similarly not known for being toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. While not typically considered dangerous, pets should not be encouraged to eat ornamental plants. In cases where pets do ingest parts of the plant, they might experience mild gastrointestinal upset, but severe toxicity is not commonly reported.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Gray-green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1-2 feet (0.30-0.61 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.61-0.91 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: The brightly colored flowers of the Curry Plant (Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht') attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden, aiding in pollination.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good drought tolerance, requiring less frequent watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Low Maintenance: It does not demand much care beyond establishment, which makes it an easy plant for gardeners with limited time or those new to gardening.
- Deer Resistance: The plant is known to be deer-resistant which helps prevent it from being eaten in areas where deer are a common problem.
- Landscape Uses: With its silvery foliage and bright yellow flowers, the Curry Plant provides excellent color contrast and textural interest in rock gardens, borders, and herb gardens.
- Culinary Uses: Although not directly related to the spice curry, the leaves of the Curry Plant have a mild flavor and aroma reminiscent of curry and can be used in some culinary applications (use with caution as they can be quite strong and not to everyone's taste).
- Year-round Interest: Offering both appealing foliage and vibrant flowers, the plant contributes to garden interest from spring through fall, and even in winter in milder climates.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht', commonly known as curry plant, can be used as a natural dye, imparting a yellow or gold color to fabrics and textiles.
- The distinct fragrance of the curry plant makes it ideal for potpourris and scented sachets, adding a warm, curry-like aroma to linens and closets.
- Curry plant can be planted as a companion to vegetables in the garden to help deter certain pests due to its strong scent.
- The dried flowering stems of curry plant can be used to create decorative wreaths and bouquets that will retain their shape and color for a long time.
- Curry plant leaves may be used in craft projects, such as natural collages or botanical prints, to add texture and a unique aesthetic.
- The essential oil, though not bolded, can be used in candle making for a curry-scented ambiance in homes or outdoor spaces.
- Ground-up dried leaves of the curry plant can serve as a filler in spice mixes for culinary use, offering an interesting nuance to the flavor profile.
- Leaves from the curry plant could be used in homemade soap making for their scent and potentially mild exfoliating properties.
- The curry plant's striking silver-grey foliage can be utilized in landscape design to create contrast with other plants and enhance the garden's visual appeal.
- Gardeners can use curry plant as a natural border or edging in a garden, owing to its compact size and attractive, low-maintenance growth habit.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Curry Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Curry Plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Everlasting life: Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht', commonly known as the Everlasting Flower or Immortelle, symbolizes eternal life and immortality due to its long-lasting blooms that seem to never fade.
- Resilience: This plant is known for its ability to survive in poor conditions and dry soils, representing the trait of resilience and the ability to endure difficult circumstances.
- Healing: Helichrysum has medicinal properties and is often used in aromatherapy and natural remedies, symbolizing healing and recovery.
- Protection: The plant is sometimes associated with the idea of protection, as it was believed to ward off evil spirits and negativity in ancient times.
- Memory: Due to its lasting nature, the Everlasting Flower is also a symbol of memories that stand the test of time, often used in remembrance.
WaterThe Curry Plant (Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht') should be watered regularly but sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During active growth in spring and summer, watering once a week should be sufficient, providing about 8 to 16 ounces of water each time depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions. Reduce the frequency of watering in the fall and further in winter, when the plant is not in active growth, to prevent root rot which can occur in cold, damp soil. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightThe Curry Plant thrives best in full sun to partial shade. It needs a bright spot with direct sunlight for at least six hours a day to develop its full aromatic potential and silver-foliaged splendor. Avoid deep shade as this can lead to etiolated growth and a lackluster display of foliage color.
TemperatureThe Curry Plant prefers a temperature range between 40 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can survive temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost can damage the plant. The ideal range for the plant is between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPrune the Curry Plant in early spring to maintain its shape and size and to encourage bushier growth. This will also remove any dead or damaged stems and promote new growth. Timely pruning ensures that the plant does not become leggy and maintains an attractive appearance throughout the growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCurry Plant 'Schwefellicht' grows best in well-draining, sandy or loamy soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of two-thirds standard potting soil with one-third coarse sand or perlite can create the ideal conditions for this drought-tolerant herb.
RepottingCurry Plant 'Schwefellicht' should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. Use a slightly larger pot each time to ensure the roots have enough space to expand.
Humidity & MistingCurry Plant 'Schwefellicht' prefers low to moderate humidity levels. It is quite drought-resistant and does well in the average humidity found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Curry Plant in bright, indirect light inside.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun in well-draining soil outside.
Hardiness zone
7-9 USDA
Life cycleHelichrysum 'Schwefellicht', commonly known as the "Curry Plant", begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in well-drained soil during spring or summer. The seeds germinate, often requiring light to do so, and sprout into seedlings, which then develop true leaves different from the initial sprout leaves. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, developing a silver-grey foliage with a distinctive curry-like fragrance and eventually reaching its mature size and shape. During the summer months, it produces small, yellow, daisy-like flowers which are highly attractive to pollinators. After pollination, if conditions are met, seeds will develop and can be collected or naturally dispersed, enabling the cycle to begin again. During the winter or in unfavorable conditions, the plant may die back or enter dormancy, depending on the climate, but it is capable of resprouting in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Early spring
The most popular method of propagation for the plant known commonly as the Curry Plant or Helichrysum 'Schwefellicht' is through softwood cuttings. This method is usually done in late spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. Gardeners snip off a 3 to 5-inch (approximately 7.5 to 12.5 cm) long stem of new growth, just above a leaf node. The bottom leaves of the cutting are removed, and the cut end is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then planted in a moist, well-draining soil mix or a soilless potting mix and covered with plastic to maintain high humidity. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimatized to less humid conditions before being transplanted outdoors.
