How to Grow Bloodstone
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Bloodstone
Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum
herbBloodstone is a tender perennial herb prized for its ornamental needle-like foliage and distinctive small golden-yellow flowers that appear in dense clusters. Despite its common name, it is not the same as the gemstone bloodstone, but rather a Mediterranean herb also known as Curry Plant due to its curry-scented leaves. It's a compact, mounding plant commonly grown in containers and warm-climate gardens.
When should you plant Bloodstone in your zone?
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Example Bloodstone timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bloodstone
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bloodstone
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Bloodstone dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; grown as an annual or container plant in cooler zones
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Get my Bloodstone timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny needle-like cotyledons emerge with true leaves following. Very delicate at this stage.
Keep soil lightly moist but not wet. Provide bright light. Avoid damping off by ensuring good air circulation.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlant develops characteristic silvery-green, narrow, needle-like foliage arranged densely on thin stems. Mounding habit becomes apparent.
Water moderately; allow drying between waterings. Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth. Begin in containers if in cool zones.
Peak Harvest
Variable, 3-6 months or longerPlant is fully mature and producing abundant flowers and aromatic foliage. Compact, mounding habit is well-established.
Harvest foliage and flowers regularly. Remove any dead or diseased stems. In warm zones, this stage can last many months.
Decline/Dormancy
3-4 monthsIn cool zones grown as annuals, plant declines in fall/winter. In warm zones, may slow growth in winter but remain evergreen.
In containers, move indoors before frost in cool zones. In warm zones, minimal winter care needed. Plan for replanting or overwintering.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with strong water stream or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs.
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Improve drainage; reduce watering frequency. Repot in fresh, dry soil if severely affected.
Uses
Culinary Seasoning
CulinaryThe needle-like leaves have a distinctive curry-like aroma and can be used to flavor dishes, infuse oils and vinegars, or added to teas. Use sparingly as the flavor is quite strong and aromatic. [source]
Traditional Herbal Remedy
MedicinalHistorically used in Mediterranean folk medicine as an infusion or tea to support digestive health and overall wellness. Contains volatile oils believed to have antispasmodic properties. [source]
Dried Arrangements & Crafts
HouseholdThe golden-yellow flowers dry beautifully and retain their color and form indefinitely, making them ideal for dried flower arrangements, wreaths, and craft projects. [source]
Container & Landscape Design
OrnamentalPrized for silvery-green needle-like foliage that provides fine texture contrast in containers, borders, and Mediterranean-style gardens. The compact mounding form works well in rock gardens. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeGolden flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making it a beneficial plant for supporting local pollinator populations in gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest fresh foliage and flowers anytime during the growing season by pinching or cutting stems just above leaf nodes. Best flavor and aroma in morning after dew dries. Cut back by one-third in midsummer to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Dry flowers and foliage by hanging bundles in a warm, well-ventilated area for 1-2 weeks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Despite being called 'Bloodstone,' this herb is not the same as the green-and-red gemstone bloodstone (heliotrope); the name likely refers to the blood-red tones sometimes visible in the flower clusters.
- 🌱 The plant is sometimes called 'Curry Plant' because its foliage smells remarkably like curry powder, though it contains no turmeric or traditional curry ingredients—the aroma comes from volatile compounds like limonene and pinene.
- 🌱 Bloodstone flowers are among the most long-lasting in dried form, retaining their golden color and papery texture for years, which is why they were treasured in Victorian dried flower arrangements.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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