A soft, trailing perennial with silvery-grey, felted leaves that add texture and brightness to borders, rockeries, containers, or hanging baskets. Its cascading habit makes it especially valuable as a filler or spiller in mixed plantings, where it contrasts beautifully with bold greens and bright blooms.
Among Afrikaans-speaking communities, Helichrysum petiolare is affectionately called kooigoed — literally “bed herb.” Traditionally, its aromatic leaves were used to stuff mattresses, both for their soothing fragrance and their ability to help repel insects naturally. This heritage gives the plant a uniquely local charm, connecting today’s gardens to generations of practical use.
Hardy and drought-tolerant once established, kooigoed thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It is an easy-care choice that rewards light trimming with lush, compact growth.
| Botanical Name | Helichrysum Petiolare |
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Growth Expectancy
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50cm H x 1m W
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Position
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Sun
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| Water Smart | Semi |
| Indigenous | Yes |
