Curry Plant - Helichrysum italicum - €6 per plant 

Helichrysum italicum is an evergreen shrub sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. This plant is sometimes used as a spice with the young shoots and leaves stewed in Mediterranean meat, fish or vegetable dishes til they have imparted their flavor, and removed before serving. Although called "curry plant" and smelling like curry powder, it has nothing whatsoever to do with this mixture of spices. This is a tender perennial and will need winter protection in cold areas
To order this plant please contact us balkanecologyproject@gmail.com.  

Context

  • native region: Europe
  • native habitat: A common plant of waste ground, hedgerows etc
  • family: Asteraceae or Compositae

Predators

  • none known

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun 
  • soil pH:  acid-neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 8a - 11
  • Best grown in an open sunny site.
  • Tolerates strong wind 

Known hazards 

  • none known

Overview

  • An evergreen Shrub growing to 0.6 m  by 1 m. ​
  • It is in flower from Jul to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. 
  • It cannot grow in the shade. 
  • It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. 
  • The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure

Characteristics

  • form: Small shrub  
  • layer : Shrub Layer
  • habit: Multi stemmed bush  
  • height x width (m): 0.6 x 1
  • years to bearing yield: 2 years  
  • productive life span: unknown 

Products 

  • The plant produces an oil from its blossoms which is used for medicinal purposes. 
  • It is anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, and astringent. It soothes burns and raw chapped skin. 
  • It is used as a fixative in perfumes and has an intense fragrance.

Functions, behaviours

  • Established plants are drought resistant.
  • Plants can be pruned back to the old wood in spring in order to maintain the shape of the plant and promote lots of new growth
  • The whole plant smells of curry, especially after rain.
  • The flowering stems are often dried and used as 'everlasting flowers'
If you would like this plant please send an email to balkanecologyproject@gmail.com with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project