Curry Plant Plant

This plant is from southern Europe and has adapted well to damper, cooler climates. It is the sweet curry scent of its leaves that has caused its recent rise in popularity.

Species

Helichrysum italicum (angustifolium)

Curry Plant

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht 60cm (24in), spread 1m (3ft). Clusters of tiny mustard yellow flowers in summer. Narrow, aromatic, silver leaves. Highly scented. Planting distance for hedge 60cm (2ft).

Helichrysum italicum 'Dartington'

Curry Plant, Dartington

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht 45cm (18in) spread 60cm (24in). Compact plant with clusters of small yellow flowers in summer. Grey green highly scented. Narrow leaves (half the size of H. italicum). Its compact upright habit makes this a good plant for hedges and edging in the garden. Planting distance for hedge 30cm (1ft).

Helichrysum italicum microphyllum ('Nanum')

Curry Plant Dwarf

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht 30cm (12in) spread 45cm (18in). Clusters of tiny mustard yellow flowers in summer. Narrow, aromatic, silver leaves. Ideal for formal hedging and knot gardens.

Planting distance for hedge 30cm (1ft).

Helichrysum italicum ssp. serotinum

Curry Plant

Hardy evergreen perennial. Ht 60cm (24in) spread lm (3ft). Broad clusters of small bright yellow flowers, produced on upright white shoots. Narrow, aromatic, silver/grey leaves. Planting distance for hedge 60cm (2ft).

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

I have not known H. italicum set good seed. For this reason I advise cuttings.

Cuttings

Take soft cuttings in spring and semi-ripe ones in autumn.

Pests and Diseases

Pests give this highly aromatic plant a wide berth, and it is usually free from disease.

Maintenance

Spring: Trim established plants after frosts to maintain shape and promote new growth. Take soft wood cuttings.

Summer: Trim back after flowering, but not too hard.

Autumn: Take semi-ripe wood cuttings.

Winter: If the temperature falls below-10°C (14°F), protect from frost.

Garden Cultivation

The curry plant makes an attractive addition to the garden and it imparts a strong smell of curry even if untouched. It is one of the most silvery of shrubs and makes a striking visual feature all year round.

Plant in full sun in a well-drained soil. Do not cut the curry plant as hard back as cotton lavender but it is worth giving a good hair cut after flowering to stop the larger ones flopping and to keep the shape of the smaller ones.

If it is an exceptionally wet winter, and you do not have a free draining soil, lift some plants, and keep in a cold greenhouse, or cold frame.

Harvest

Pick leaves at any time for fresh use. Pick the flowers when fully open. Dry by-hanging in small bunches upside down in an airy place.

Container growing

Dwarf and Dartington curry plants grow happily in large containers (at least 20cm (8in) in diameter). Place in the sun to get the best effect, and do not over water.

Culinary

There are not many recipes for the curry plant in looking, and in truth the leaves smell stronger than they taste, but a small sprig stuffed into the cavity of a roasting chicken makes an interesting variation on tarragon. Add sprigs to vegetables, rice dishes and pickles for a mild curry flavor. Remove before serving.

Other uses

The bright yellow button flowers add color to potpourris.