A cultivar from the Asteraceae family, Helichrysum 'County Park Silver' is a hybrid or horticultural selection of New Zealand origin, likely derived from the species Helichrysum selaginoides or related species from the southern flora. It was selected for the exceptional quality of its silver foliage and its ground-covering habit, particularly suited to rock gardens.
The plant forms a dense, creeping carpet, only 5 to 10 cm high, with woody stems at the base and flexible branches that spread over the ground or cling to rocks. The foliage consists of very small, finely cut linear leaves, tightly packed along the stems, entirely covered with a very bright silvery white tomentum that gives the whole a nearly metallic appearance. The fine texture and density of the foliage create a particularly striking mineral embroidery effect.
The flowers are small yellow capitula, not very spectacular, appearing in summer. It is primarily the permanent silver carpet that constitutes the interest of this cultivar, even outside the flowering period.
It requires very well-drained soil, poor to moderately fertile, in full sun. Its tolerance to winter moisture is limited; in regions with mild and dry winters, it can be quite hardy, but protection against excess water is recommended. It is perfectly suited to rock gardens, walls, and compositions among stones where it highlights contrasts in texture and color.