Product description
The Curry Plant is a distinctive evergreen sub-shrub cultivated primarily for the intense, spicy aroma of curry powder released by its silver-grey leaves. Despite this potent scent, which smells uncannily like a korma or tikka masala, the leaves themselves have a bitter flavour and are rarely used in cooking, though a sprig can be added briefly to soups or rice for a subtle aroma before being removed. It is traditionally used more for its ornamental value and its essential oils, which are sometimes used in potpourri to deter insects.
This plant is typically grown as a neat, bushy shrub that adds excellent structure and silver contrast to sunny borders, rockeries, or herb gardens. It is generally hardy but dislikes cold, wet winters. For the best results and the strongest fragrance—which is most noticeable after rain—plant it in a location with full sun. It is highly drought-tolerant and demands poor, sandy, or gritty soil with sharp drainage, as it will rot quickly if left in heavy, waterlogged ground.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Common Curry Plant
Curry Plant
Curry Plant
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Product description
The Curry Plant is a distinctive evergreen sub-shrub cultivated primarily for the intense, spicy aroma of curry powder released by its silver-grey leaves. Despite this potent scent, which smells uncannily like a korma or tikka masala, the leaves themselves have a bitter flavour and are rarely used in cooking, though a sprig can be added briefly to soups or rice for a subtle aroma before being removed. It is traditionally used more for its ornamental value and its essential oils, which are sometimes used in potpourri to deter insects.
This plant is typically grown as a neat, bushy shrub that adds excellent structure and silver contrast to sunny borders, rockeries, or herb gardens. It is generally hardy but dislikes cold, wet winters. For the best results and the strongest fragrance—which is most noticeable after rain—plant it in a location with full sun. It is highly drought-tolerant and demands poor, sandy, or gritty soil with sharp drainage, as it will rot quickly if left in heavy, waterlogged ground.
Please Note: When purchasing plants please consider that each live item is unique and may therefore differ from the images shown, which are for illustration purposes only - The plant will be supplied in a growers pot.
Give your plants the best start
Garden Plant Size Guide
Plants in larger pots can be multiple years older than their smaller counterparts with more mature root systems and foliage. This makes them able to thrive as a full size plant in your garden quicker than smaller alternatives.
The most common size of pot that garden plants come in are 9cm/1L/3L/5L this is in reference to the diameter at the top of the pot.
9cm potted plants still remain the most popular cost effective option though, they just may take a little patience to allow them to grow into full maturity once planted in your garden.
Plant specs, care guide & tips
Key features
When to plant
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Planting and period of interest times are general guidelines and may vary based on your location and conditions. For best results, consult local gardening resources.
Instructions
Top Tip
Although the Curry Plant smells delicious, the flavour is often disappointing and bitter. Instead of eating it, use the dried yellow flower heads as "everlasting flowers" in winter arrangements, where they keep their colour and shape for months.
How to Water
Water young plants moderately to help them establish, but avoid overwatering. Once mature, the Curry Plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant and prefers dry conditions. Only water during severe droughts, as excess moisture is its biggest enemy.
How to Plant
Plant the Curry Plant in a hot, sunny position with very free-draining soil. It loves poor, stony ground, so dig in plenty of grit if planting in the garden, or use a gritty compost mix if growing in a terracotta pot.
