Cape everlasting (Helichrysum splendidum)
Care, watering, light and tips for Cape everlasting on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Asteraceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 7 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 0–35 °C
About Cape everlasting
Helichrysum splendidum, commonly known as golden everlasting, is a perennial subshrub from the Asteraceae family, native to South Africa. It's distinguished by its silvery-grey foliage and small, bright yellow flowers that retain their color and shape even after drying, hence its common name. It's ideal for rock gardens, low-maintenance landscapes, and as an ornamental potted plant, adding a touch of brightness and texture.
Native range
South Africa
Care tips
It requires full sun for abundant flowering and optimal development, tolerating some partial shade. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry out completely between waterings, as it is very sensitive to excessive moisture. It prefers well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils and is very drought-tolerant. Avoid waterlogging at all costs, as it is the main cause of root rot in this species.
How to save a dying Cape everlasting
- Warning signs
- Wilting, pale or yellowing leaves; soft stems. May indicate overwatering or lack of light.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If waterlogged, remove plant, discard wet soil, air dry roots, and repot. Move to a brighter spot.
- What kills it
- Overwatering is its worst enemy. Tolerates drought, but not waterlogging.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Look for new growth after correction. It responds well to pruning.