Curry

Cari, also known as curry plant, is an aromatic plant with very fragrant silver-grey foliage and small yellow flowers, perfect for pots, rock gardens, or Mediterranean gardens.

Format

Hardiness Zone 7 and above (bring indoors in winter in cold climates)

Difficulty level Easy

Family Asteraceae

Curry plant is an aromatic plant with very decorative silvery foliage, known for its intense fragrance reminiscent of curry when its leaves are crushed. Its compact and bushy habit, its fine silver-grey leaves, and its Mediterranean look make it an excellent plant for pots, rock gardens, sunny borders, and herb gardens. Highly valued for its ornamental appearance as well as its scent, the curry plant adds texture, light, and an original touch to outdoor spaces.

Easy to grow in warm weather, the curry plant prefers a full sun location, in very well-drained, light, and rather dry soil. It tolerates heat and drier conditions well once established, but does not tolerate excessive water and heavy soils. It grows very well in pots on a terrace or balcony, where its fragrant foliage can be harvested as needed. Light pruning helps maintain a denser, more compact, and well-branched plant.

Curry plant is mainly used to delicately flavor certain dishes, sauces, rice, vegetables, marinades, or Mediterranean recipes, but its leaves are generally removed before serving due to their texture. Its bright, airy yellow blossoms also attract pollinators and add beautiful visual interest to the garden. It is an ideal plant for gardeners looking for an original, fragrant, heat-resistant, and very decorative herb for both containers and in-ground planting.