Curry Plant

The curry plant (Helichrysum italicum) is a Mediterranean sub-shrub famous for its intense aroma, which smells exactly like curry powder. Despite its name and scent, it is strictly an ornamental herb and is not the source of curry powder, nor is it the "true" curry leaf used in Indian cooking.

Common Names: Italian strawflower, Immortelle, Everlasting.

Appearance: Silvery-grey, needle-like foliage with clusters of small, mustard-yellow flowers in summer.

Size: Typically grows 30–60cm tall and up to 1m wide

Sunlight: Needs full sun to produce its strongest fragrance.

Soil: Thrives in well-drained, poor, or sandy soil. It is highly drought-tolerant but will rot if the ground is waterlogged.

Maintenance: Prune in early spring to keep the plant from becoming leggy, but avoid cutting into old, woody stems as they may not grow back.