Botanical profile

Curry

Latin name
Helichrysum italicum
Common name
Curry
Type
Tender perennial aromatic plant
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.

Care guide

Care level
Easy

Choosing this plant

Main benefit
Aromatic silver foliage with a curry scent
Herb garden, rock garden, dry border, container, Mediterranean garden
Container growing
Container culture excellent in a very well-drained container
Seasonal care
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact shape; protect from winter moisture and severe frost
Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 7 and above (bring indoors in winter in cold climates)
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate; allow the soil surface to dry slightly between waterings
Humidity
Low humidity; prefers dry, well-drained soil
Fertilization
Light composting in spring; avoid excessive fertilizer
Soil type
Poor to average, dry, sandy, and very well-drained soil
Soil pH
Neutral to slightly alkaline
Minimum temperature
-10°C
Propagation method
Cuttings or seeds
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
YELLOW
Foliage color
Silver gray
Foliage type
Hardy in mild climates
Shape
Compact, rounded, bushy habit
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 inches)
Width
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Growth rate
Average growth
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Companion plants
Lavender, thyme, rosemary, sage
Plants to avoid
Plants that require moist, heavy, or consistently cool soil
Spacing
30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 inches)
Harvest period
Leaves from spring to autumn
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Repellent
Helps repel certain pests

Repellent

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.