Island Cape Myrtle
This is a Helichrysum or heath-like plant from South Atlantic islands which makes an attractive conservatory plant and is hardy outdoors only in the very mildest areas. It has small, crowded, silver-green leaves and its inflorescences are composed of tiny green-white flowers which open in the autumn. Each tiny flower has petal-like sepals but no actual petals except modified petals appearing as filaments or bristles. The flowers have a strong fragrance like ‘meadowsweet’ (Filipendula ulmaria).
We have not been growing this plant for long but suspect it would do well outside in coastal areas on a hot dry sunny bank. It is also a plant which would benefit from a light clip after flowering to keep it in shape. It is easy enough from greenwood early summer cuttings.
