Helichrysum excelsum Plant Care

Helichrysum excelsum (Dasyphyllum excelsum) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Dasyphyllum genus. Helichrysum excelsum is native to Chile, occurring from Quillota to Cauquenes between 190 and 800 m above sea level, a specific location of occurrence being in central Chile within the Cerro La Campana forests in association with the endangered Chilean wine palm, Jubaea chilensis. Helichrysum excelsum is also known as Golden Everlasting.

Helichrysum excelsum displays a low mat-forming ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Helichrysum excelsum produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Helichrysum excelsum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Helichrysum excelsum thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Dasyphyllum excelsum tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Helichrysum excelsum prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Good drainage is essential for Helichrysum excelsum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Helichrysum excelsum every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with added perlite for extra drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Helichrysum excelsum is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Helichrysum excelsum can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Helichrysum excelsum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Helichrysum excelsum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Helichrysum excelsum can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to dasyphyllum argenteum plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Helichrysum excelsum is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Helichrysum excelsum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Helichrysum excelsum is native to Chile, occurring from Quillota to Cauquenes between 190 and 800 m above sea level, a specific location of occurrence being in central Chile within the Cerro La Campana forests in association with the endangered Chilean wine palm, Jubaea chilensis. In cooler regions, grow Helichrysum excelsum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.