Curry plant Helichrysum italicum
Curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Asteraceae family, native to Mediterranean Basin. It grows 30–60 cm (12–24 in) tall and 50–90 cm (20–35 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -12 °C (10 °F). Space plants about 50 cm (20 in) apart.
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Curry plant at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Mature height | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Mature spread | 50–90 cm (20–35 in) |
| Spacing | 50 cm (20 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -12 °C (10 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mediterranean Basin |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇫🇷 France, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Curry plant toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Aromatic foliage; not a source of curry spice.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Curry plant
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Curry plant
- How far apart should I plant Curry plant?
- About 50 cm (20 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 50–90 cm (20–35 in).
- Does Curry plant need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Curry plant need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Curry plant?
- It tolerates about -12 °C (10 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Curry plant flower?
- From about June for 6–10 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Curry plant poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Aromatic foliage; not a source of curry spice.
- What grows well with Curry plant?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Curry plant. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
Notes and assumptions
- Silver leaves smell of curry in hot weather; the essential oil (immortelle) comes from Corsica.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta
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