The genus Helichrysum encompasses diverse plants, often celebrated for their unique textures and vibrant, long-lasting blooms. Gardeners frequently wonder whether these plants are annuals or perennials. The answer depends on the specific species and local climate conditions.
Understanding Helichrysum Life Cycles
Plants are categorized by their life cycles. An annual plant completes its entire life cycle within a single growing season before dying. Perennial plants live for more than two years, often returning year after year from their rootstock or crowns.
Helichrysum species exhibit both annual and perennial characteristics. Many perennial Helichrysum varieties are sensitive to cold temperatures and are therefore grown as annuals in regions with harsh winters. Their ability to survive winter is determined by USDA Hardiness Zones, which classify areas based on their average annual minimum winter temperature. For instance, a Helichrysum species that is a true perennial in a warm climate (e.g., USDA Zone 8 or higher) might perish in a colder zone (e.g., Zone 5) if left outdoors during winter. Determining if a Helichrysum will behave as an annual or perennial in your garden relies on understanding the specific species and the local growing environment.
Common Helichrysum Varieties and Their Habits
Several Helichrysum species are popular in gardening, each with distinct life cycle habits. Helichrysum bracteatum, commonly known as Strawflower, is a true annual. It is cultivated for its papery, daisy-like blooms that retain their color and shape even after drying, making them a favorite for cut flower arrangements and dried displays. Its life cycle typically spans one growing season.
Helichrysum italicum, often called Curry Plant, is a perennial. This species is hardy in warmer climates, generally thriving in USDA Zones 8 through 11. In colder regions, gardeners frequently grow it as an annual or bring it indoors to overwinter. Its narrow, silvery-green leaves emit a distinct curry-like scent.
Another notable variety is Helichrysum petiolare, known as Licorice Plant. This is a tender perennial, typically hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11. Outside these zones, it is commonly treated as an annual, valued for its soft, woolly, silvery-gray foliage and trailing habit. While it can produce small, insignificant white flowers, it is primarily grown for its ornamental foliage.
Growing Helichrysum Based on Its Life Cycle
Cultivating Helichrysum successfully involves understanding its basic needs and tailoring care based on its life cycle. Most Helichrysum varieties prefer full sun exposure, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. They thrive in well-draining soil, tolerating average fertility and even poor soil conditions, and become drought-tolerant once established.
When growing Helichrysum as an annual, planting occurs from seed or young starts after the last spring frost. Seeds can be surface-sown indoors several weeks before the last frost date, as they require light for germination. Once planted out, these annuals will grow and bloom throughout the season until the first hard frost. Deadheading spent flowers can encourage more blooms and maintain the plant’s appearance.
For perennial Helichrysum species, establishment involves planting them where they can return year after year. In borderline hardiness zones, a layer of mulch around the plant’s base can help protect roots from freezing temperatures. Tender perennial varieties like Helichrysum italicum or H. petiolare can be brought indoors before the first frost, or cuttings can be taken to overwinter new plants. Pruning is beneficial for perennial Helichrysum to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove woody or leggy stems, often done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Why Grow Helichrysum
Helichrysum plants offer diverse appeal, making them a valuable addition to many garden settings, regardless of their life cycle. Their ornamental value is high, stemming from their unique flowers and attractive foliage. Strawflower provides long-lasting blooms perfect for fresh arrangements or dried floral crafts. Curry Plant and Licorice Plant are appreciated for their aromatic qualities and distinctive foliage, adding textural interest to beds, borders, and containers. Helichrysum is versatile for various garden designs, from rock gardens and drought-tolerant landscapes to mixed containers and hanging baskets.