{"product_id":"helichrysum-italicum","title":"Helichrysum italicum - planta curry","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHelichrysum italicum\u003c\/strong\u003e (commonly known as the \u003cstrong\u003ecurry plant\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003ecurry thyme\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eimmortelle\u003c\/strong\u003e, or \u003cstrong\u003ecurry plant\u003c\/strong\u003e in English) is a semi-woody, evergreen perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean region (especially Turkey, Italy, the Balkans), belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is valued for its fine silver foliage and intense aromatic scent, which strongly smells like curry (hence the popular name), but it is not related to the true Indian curry spice (which comes from Murraya koenigii).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eThe plant forms compact, mounded bushes, 40-60 cm (up to 2 ft) tall and 60-90 cm (up to 3 ft) wide. The leaves are small, linear, needle-like, silvery-gray, pubescent, with a strong spicy-curry aroma, excellent for potpourri, dried wreaths, or scenting spaces. Flowers appear in summer (June-September), in the form of small bright yellow button-like heads, grouped in dense clusters, long-lasting and used in dried arrangements (everlasting flowers). It attracts beneficial pollinators (bees, useful insects).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant note\u003c\/strong\u003e: not used in cooking – the aroma is very strong and bitter; the plant is ornamental\/medicinal, not culinary!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMain features:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize: compact bushes 40-60 cm height × 60-90 cm width\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLeaf type: silvery-gray, narrow linear, intensely curry-scented\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlower type: small yellow dense button-like heads, persistent when dried\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowering period: summer (June-September\/October)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFragrance\/aroma: yes, strong curry\/spicy, pleasant in garden or dried\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSimple and practical care (easy to grow, low-maintenance):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul dir=\"auto\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLight: full sun (minimum 6-8 hours\/day), essential for aroma and flowering; tolerates light partial shade but grows weaker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTemperature: drought and heat tolerant; USDA zones 7-10\/11 (can withstand -10\/-15°C with protection, but sensitive to winter moisture and severe freezes); semi-evergreen in mild climates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWatering: low – well-drained soil, allow substrate to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering (roots rot easily in wet soil)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil: poor, light, well-drained (sandy, rocky, alkaline\/neutral pH 6.5-8+); excellent in rock gardens, dry borders, or pots\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFertilization: minimal or none (poor soil enhances aroma); avoid heavy mulching\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePruning: in spring, cut old wood to maintain compact shape and stimulate new growth\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePropagation: seeds in spring (germination at 18-23°C), cuttings in summer, or division\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\"\u003eA drought-resistant plant, natural pest repellent (insects, deer), perfect for Mediterranean gardens, rock gardens, sunny borders, terraces, or pots – it brings beautiful silver texture and exotic fragrance all year round! Ideal if you want something perennial, aromatic, and low-maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e⚠️ \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e For maximum aroma, it is recommended to harvest the leaves on sunny days after the dew has evaporated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHeight including pot: approx. 20-25 cm\u003cbr\u003eThe plant’s appearance changes depending on the season, leaf maturity, pruning, etc.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Secret Garden Outdoor","offers":[{"title":"12 cm pot","offer_id":56217445695814,"sku":null,"price":4.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/5551\/3798\/files\/Helichrysum-italicum.jpg?v=1773916325","url":"https:\/\/secretgarden.ro\/en-nl\/products\/helichrysum-italicum","provider":"Secret Garden Plant Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}