Silver Mist Helichrysum

Silver Mist Helichrysum is a compact foliage plant with soft, silver leaves that become more intensely colored in brighter light. [PanAmerican Seed](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/032000001008245/helichrysum-silver-mist/) identifies the taxon as Helichrysum microphyllum (Plectostachys serphyllifolia) and describes the plant as mounded and spreading. ## Garden Use Use it as a low, spreading accent in mixed containers, landscape beds, or an indoor display. The grower lists a mature height of 6–8 inches and a width of 18–24 inches, dimensions that match the current catalog measurements. Its silver foliage makes a useful contrast against darker or greener plants. ## Growing Conditions Give it a sunny position for the strongest silver color. The plant is produced as an annual bedding selection, though it can also be grown indoors. Its flexible, branching growth does not require pinching, and PanAmerican Seed recommends avoiding overwatering and late-day watering that leaves foliage wet. ## Maintenance Keep the growing medium from staying saturated and allow air to move around the foliage. No pinching is needed to maintain its branching habit. For crop timing and container details, consult the [Silver Mist grower guide](https://www.panamseed.com/utility/CultureSheetPDF.aspx?pagename=culture.aspx&txtphid=032000001008245&type=Ann). ## San Luis Obispo County source The county's botanical spelling “Plectostachys serphyllifolia” is paired with the explicit common name Silver Mist Helichrysum. This matches this named seed product: [PanAmerican Seed](https://www.panamseed.com/Products/032000001008245/helichrysum-silver-mist/) uses Helichrysum microphyllum (Plectostachys serpyllifolia). The rating is attached to this source-named product rather than to all Helichrysum or every form of the broader species. [Kew](https://mpns.science.kew.org/mpns-portal/plantDetail?dbs=wcsCmp&plantId=3089925) uses the botanical name Plecostachys serpyllifolia; the nursery trade spelling is retained here as the product identity. The [county’s January 2014 list](https://www.slocounty.ca.gov/departments/planning-building/forms-documents/environmental-forms-and-documents/plants-information/county-approved-plant-list) assigns F3. F3 is its historical transitional category, described as regrowth after fire. The rating does not guarantee low combustibility or survival of an individual plant. Follow its conditions for suitable moisture, separated and uncrowded plantings, removal of dead material and prevention of ground-to-canopy fuel connections.