Helichrysum pumilio Plant Care

Helichrysum pumilio (Helichrysum pumilio) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Helichrysum genus. Helichrysum pumilio is native to the Cape Provinces and Free State of South Africa.

Helichrysum pumilio displays a compact, bushy habit growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Helichrysum pumilio produces small, daisy-like flowers in various colors like yellow, orange, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Helichrysum pumilio 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 pumilio thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Helichrysum pumilio tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Helichrysum pumilio prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Helichrysum pumilio 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 improved drainage. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Helichrysum pumilio is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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 pumilio can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 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 pumilio 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 pumilio is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Helichrysum pumilio can be propagated through stem cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cotton everlasting plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Helichrysum pumilio 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 pumilio grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Helichrysum pumilio is native to the Cape Provinces and Free State of South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Helichrysum pumilio as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.