Herb Profile: Curry Plant

The curry plant (Helichrysum italicum syn. H. angustifolium) is not really the source for the curry powder used in Indian cooking; however it does have a curry scent and a rather delicate curry flavor. As such, it has been used to season salads, egg dishes, soups, and stews. However, it is more frequently used in pot pourri. The flowers also hold their form when dried, which makes them not only good for the aforementioned pot pourri but also good in dried-flower arrangements. I like it in my herb garden for the great color contrast it offers.

The curry plant is a native of the Mediterranean region and is grown throughout Europe. Varieties can also be found in Africa and Asia. The name probably accounts for its growing popularity in the United States. It is considered a tender perennial from Zone 6 northward and should be grown as an annual in regions with prolonged, extremely cold winters. (Consider planting in a container and bringing indoors during the winter months.) In more moderate climate zones, plant your curry plant in full sun in light, well-drained soil. It also likes dry conditions, so do not over-water. The curry plant has a bushy habit and is actually an evergreen sub-shrub, growing to be about 2-feet-tall. The silver-gray (almost white) narrow, needle-like leaves add some color to the herb garden, which is why I mentioned at the beginning of this article that I like this plant in my garden. You can also catch the smell of curry wafting up from the plant on very hot days or whenever you crush the leaves of the plant. The herb has an upright growing pattern; however, if you do not almost immediately cut away the yellow button-like blooms when they appear, the plant can sprawl. It can be propagated by semi-ripe heel cuttings in the summer. It can also be grown from seeds planted about 8 weeks before having to plant outdoors.

There are no medicinal properties attributed to the curry plant; although, some people think that the essential oil does have antiviral properties. This, however, has never been confirmed. The primary use for the curry plant is in pot pourris, as previously mentioned. It does act as an insect repellent, which also makes it popular for sachets.

There is no reason that a functional herb garden should not be aesthetically pleasing as well. Even if you never use your curry plant, you will enjoy the light that its silvery foliage brings into your herb garden.

References:

Fell, Derek. Herb Gardening for Beginners. NY, NY: Friedman/Fairfax Publishers, 2001.

Houdret, Jessica. Practical Herb Garden. London, England: Hermes House, 2003.

McHoy, Peter. The Complete Book of Practical Gardening. London, England: Hermes House, 1998.