Helichrysum Petiolare: Spectacular Silvery Foliage

The Silver Star is a semi-trailing plant that features small and rounded leaves almost appearing heart-shaped covered with fine hairs. This specific attribute gives the Helichrysum Silver Star its remarkable silvery appearance. While it produces tiny clusters of cream flowers, this plant is more notable for its foliage with a dark green edging.  This alone is unique, something we don’t see often in perennials where flowers usually take the centre stage.

Growing to around 30-60 cm in height and spreading up to 1.5 metres, Silver Star is a valuable addition when designing your own garden. Not only is it an excellent ornamental foliage, but it’s also capable of flourishing even in poor soil conditions. Even more convenient, it easily adapts to Australia’s diverse climates since it can tolerate minimal watering. 

How to Plant Helichrysum Petiolare ‘Silver Star’? 

Silver Star’s drought tolerance makes it deal for Australian climates, which means it’s simple to plant it in your garden. As long as you follow these simple steps, you can enjoy this plant’s stunning silvery-grey foliage in no time: 

• It’s recommended to plant Silver Star in spring or autumn when temperatures are not extreme. 
• It thrives in well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil, as well as moderately fertile to humus rich. 
• This plant thrives in full sun position. In other parts of Australia with hotter climates, it’s best to provide afternoon shade to protect the foliage from scorching. 
• It’s ideal to space plants 60-90 cm apart to allow for their natural spreading habit.
• Water regularly after planting until established. Once rooted, this plant is drought-tolerant, so it will only require occasional watering.

Why Should You Buy Helichrysum Petiolare ‘Silver Star’? 

Helichrysum petiolare ‘Silver Star’ is an excellent choice for Australian gardeners looking for a hardy, low-maintenance plant that adds texture and interest to landscapes (not to be confused with Ctenanthe 'Sliver Star' of Ctenanthe species). Its silvery foliage works beautifully in coastal gardens, rockeries, and containers.

Additionally, it is drought-tolerant once established, making it perfect for water-wise gardening and low-maintenance gardens. Whether used as ground cover, in hanging baskets, or trailing over walls, its attractive foliage remains a highlight throughout the year.

• Silvery Foliage: The unique silver-grey foliage of this plant highlights the appeal of certain garden styles, like coastal-themed spaces. It’s also an attractive addition to rockeries and containers. 
• Hardy and Low Maintenance: Silver Star is best used for adding texture to landscapes, while the beautiful foliage contributes to its enduring interest. Even better, this plant requires minimal care and attention as long as planted in well-drained soil, something that both beginners and garden experts can appreciate.
• Drought-Tolerant: Once established, Silver Bush tolerates dry conditions so it only needs occasional watering, perfect if you’re looking to create a water-wise garden. It’s also deer tolerant.
• Versatile: It has multiple uses as an ornamental plant — you can use it as ground cover, in hanging baskets, or trailing over walls. It also looks wonderful as an accent plant.

How to Care for Helichrysum Petiolare ‘Silver Star’? 

• Helichrysum petiolare needs very little watering once established, except in dry spells when you need to do a deep soak every couple of weeks.
• Pruning plants is important for aesthetic purposes and ensuring a plant’s vigour. In the case of Silver Star, light pruning in late winter or early spring is encouraged to maintain a compact shape and to remove any leggy growth. 
• It’s not necessary but you can opt to use a slow-release fertiliser in spring to encourage active growth. Don’t over-fertilise as this can only backfire. Find more fertilising tips here. 
• Applying a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant can also help to conserve moisture and stamp out weeds.

Things to Consider When Growing Helichrysum Petiolare ‘Silver Star’

The Helichrysum Silver Star plant has a trailing habit, meaning it can spread quickly when grown in optimal conditions. Without regular pruning, this plant can easily become invasive. Monitoring can definitely help to prevent this. 

In terms of climate preference, while it generally thrives in Australian climates, the Silver Star plant can struggle to withstand frost. If you live in a frost-prone area, you might want to plant it in containers so you can easily move it indoors when needed. It is, however, tolerant of wind, making it ideal for coastal gardens. 

Treating Helichrysum Petiolare for Signs of Pests and Diseases

Helichrysum petiolare is generally pest and disease-free. Humidity, of course, is a different story. If grown in humid conditions, your plant may suffer from fungal issues like powdery mildew. 

Fortunately, prevention is as simple as ensuring excellent air circulation around the plant. It’s also ideal to water at the base so as to avoid overhead watering. If, in any case, your plant is afflicted by mildew, you can easily remedy this by using a fungicidal spray or a homemade solution of water and baking soda.

Where Can I Buy Helichrysum Petiolare ‘Silver Star’? 

You can buy Helichrysum Silver Star plant right here at Local Botanist’s online store. We offer a wide collection of indoor and outdoor plants that include the Silver Star to bring a new level of elegance to your indoor or outdoor garden space. 

You can also discover the garden style that’s right for you by taking our Garden Style Quiz.

Companion Plants for Helichrysum Petiolare ‘Silver Star’

The silvery foliage of the Licorice Plant easily complements many other gorgeous shrubs and flowering plants. Here are some companion plants for Helichrysum Silver Star to think about: 

• Lavender: The purple blooms of lavender complement Silver Star’s silvery foliage, creating a gorgeous contrast that can add to your garden's appeal. 
• Gardenia Florida: The intense green foliage and huge white flowers pair well with ‘Silver Star’ in containers or garden beds.
• Wynyabbie Gem: The drought-tolerant nature and lavender-blue flowers make Wynyabbie Gem a great companion for Silver Star. 
• Rosemary: Both plants thrive in similar conditions, creating a Mediterranean-inspired garden with an assortment of colours and textures.