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Asteraceae
Immortelle
Helichrysum stoechas
Everlasting memory and immortality.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Genus
- Helichrysum
- Native to
- Mediterranean Europe, North Africa
- Bloom season
- Summer
- Type
- subshrub
- Height
- 20–50 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- sandy, poor, well-drained
- Water
- low; drought-tolerant
- Hardiness
- 8–11
- Lifespan
- perennial
Did you know
- The papery bracts retain their color and shape for years when dried — hence the name 'immortelle' (everlasting).
- The genus name Helichrysum comes from Greek 'helios' (sun) and 'chrysos' (gold).
- Essential oil distilled from the flowers (known as 'helichrysum oil') is prized in aromatherapy for skin healing.
- Napoleon reportedly said he could smell the maquis of Corsica from the sea — immortelle is a key component of that scent.
- Ancient Greeks wove immortelle into garlands for gods and heroes, symbolizing glory that never fades.
Color meanings
Yellow
eternal remembrance
Golden
undying devotion