NATURE MORTE

Helichrysum – a vibrant and versatile plant that is easy to grow in open ground as well as in containers. Height up to 100–120 cm, flowers with a diameter of about 5 cm form basket-like inflorescences with dry petals in various shades: red, orange, pink, white, yellow. The plant loves light and warmth but cannot tolerate waterlogging – therefore the soil should be light, fertile, and well-drained.

The flowering season begins in June and continues until September, sometimes even until the first frosts. Due to its cold hardiness in temperate regions, it is used to decorate winter bouquets and as an element of landscape design: borders, alpine hills, gazebos. In a living state, helichrysum goes well with sage, rosemary, lavender, and chamomile, while in a dried state – with lavender, panicum, and triticum.

For cultivation, seeds are sown after the threat of frost (April) at a depth of 0.5–1 cm, with a distance between plants of 20–30 cm. The plant requires abundant watering but cannot tolerate waterlogging; if necessary, mulch and sawdust can be used for frost protection. Helichrysum is easily propagated by cuttings, and in open ground seeds usually do not have time to ripen fully. Thanks to its beauty and simplicity of care, it remains a popular choice both among florists and for creating living and dried compositions.