Immortelle, or Helichrysum as it’s also known, is a really remarkable plant. As well as having wonderful flowers it’s also fantastic for drying flowers as they hold their beauty for a long time after.
So if you want to add some Mediterranean appeal to your garden Imortelle is a good choice. This guide will show you how to grow Imortelle successfully and enjoy it’s lovely flowers.
Understanding Immortelle
What is Immortelle?
Immortelle, also known as everlasting flower or curry plant, belongs to the Asteraceae family. Its name comes from the Greek words “helios” (sun) and “chrysos” (gold), which reflects the fact that it loves the sun and has golden flowers. Helichrysum species range from tall shrubs to ground cover.
Choosing the Right Variety
Choosing the right variety is where you should begin. You want a species that fits with your climate, soil etc.
The various different species all have their own growth habits, colors and needs when it comes to water, soil and so on. So making the right choice will play a big part in how successful you are in growing it.
Popular Species of Immortelle
- Helichrysum italicum (Curry Plant)
- Height: Grows up to 2 feet tall.
- Flowers: Small yellow clusters.
- Aroma: Strong curry scent which is used in aromatherapy.
- Climate: Does best in USDA zones 8 to 11.
- Soil: Prefers sandy or rocky soil that drains well.
- Uses: Essential oils, dried flowers and ornamental gardening.
- Helichrysum arenarium (Dwarf Everlast)
- Height: Up to 12 inches tall.
- Flowers: Bright yellow, good for drying.
- Hardiness: Can survive in USDA zones 4 to 8.
- Soil: Does best in sandy soil and loam thats drains well.
- Uses: Medicinal purposes, dried flowers and garden borders.
- Helichrysum petiolare
- Growth Habit: Trailing, good for ground cover.
- Foliage: Silver and grey leaves.
- Flowers: Creamy white.
- Climate: Prefers warm areas that don’t get frost.
Planting Immortelle
You have to plant your immortelle the right way and get the soil prepared properly to make sure it grows well. It likes lots of sun and soil that drains well and not getting that will definitely affect how it develops and how long it lasts.
Soil Preparation
- Drainage: Good drainage is probably the most important aspect. Add some sand or gravel to improve the air flow if your soil is heavy clay.
- pH Levels: Immortelle likes a soil that is neutral to alkaline. Use lime if you need to change the pH and get a testing kit to keep an eye on the level of your soil.
- Soil Composition: A mix of loam and sand will do a good job of copying the natural type of soil immortelle would have grown in in the Mediterranean. Don’t let the soil get too rich or fertile though as it will result in leggy growth.
Planting Techniques
- Seed Sowing
- Indoors: You’ll want to start your seeds around 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Scatter the seeds on the surface and make sure press take down gently so they’re sitting in the soil properly. Make sure they stay most until they have germinated.
- Outdoors: Direct sow the seeds once any danger of frost is gone. The perfect temperature for the soil is between 50 to 95°F (10 to 35°C).
- Transplanting
- The young plants must be hardened off before you transplant them outdoors.
- Give the plants around 12 to 18 inches space between each of them so they have room to grow. This will also let the air circulate nicely.
Growing Conditions
Immortelle needs full sunlight and it has some certain needs when it comes to water too. If you get those wrong there’s a good chance it won’t grow well or flower. Get it right though and you’ll avoid things like root rot as well as getting the beautiful flowers you want.
Sunlight
- Full Sun: Aim for at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Location: Choose somewhere that has shelter from the strong winds as it will stop the plants stems from getting damaged.
Watering
- Drought Tolerance: Once it’s established immortelle is able to tolerate drought well. So water deeply but not all that often.
- Avoid Overwatering: Too much water can cause root rot. Sonlet the soil dry out between watering.
- Summer Care: Water more often when it’s extremely hot and dry but always check the soil and how moist it is before you do.
Propagation
Propagation by Seeds
- Timing: Sow seeds in late winter through to early spring.
- Technique: Surface sow the seeds, press lightly and keep them moist. To germinate they need a little light.
- Germination: Seeds will usually germinate within 7 to 10 days at temperatures around 68°F (20°C).
Propagation by Cuttings
- Timing: Take semi hardwood cuttings in the late summer.
- Preparation: Use a sharp knife to cut healthy stems about 2 inches long. Remove the lower leaves.
- Rooting: Dip the cut ends in some rooting hormone and post them in a mix of perlite and pumice. The soil needs to be moist and put the cuttings in a shaded area that is well lit.
Care and Maintenance
Pruning on a regular basis and maintaining their well being is what will keep your immortellen healthy, looking good and flowering.
Pruning Techniques
- Annual Pruning: Prune in the early spring and remove any of the dead or damaged stems.
- Deadheading: Remove any spent flowers and your plant will continue to bloom.
- Shape Maintenance: Trim a little to keep it looking great and compact. Don’t prune too much through as it can stress the plant.
General Maintenance
- Fertilization: Use a light layer of compost in the early spring. Don’t fertilize too much though as it can make your plant get leggy.
- Pest Management: Look for aphids and treat with insecticidal soap if you find any.
Harvesting and Uses
You can get oil and dried flowers from immortelle. But you have to harvest at the right time.
Harvesting Techniques
- Timing: Harvest the flowers in the morning after the dew has dried.
- Method: Use sharp scissors or pruners to cut stems with fully open flowers. Hang in a dry, dark place to dry.
Uses of Immortelle
- Dried Flowers: Immortelle flowers keep their color and shape which makes them great for dried arrangements and crafts.
- Essential Oils: Helichrysum italicum can be used in aromatherapy. The oil is used for skin regeneration, wound healing and reducing inflammation.
- Culinary Uses: While not used much in cooking the foliage can add a different flavor to some dishes.
Final Thoughts
Immortelle doesn’t need a lot of care and looks great. So it’s a fantastic flower to grow in any type of garden, be it a rock garden or Mediterranean landscape.
So if you follow these guidelines you’ll give your immortelle the best chance to thrive and bring you some brilliant color and beauty.
