Helichrysum thianschanicum, commonly known as Silver Spike, is an evergreen shrub native to the rocky and arid regions of Central Asia, particularly in mountainous areas. This small perennial shrub reaches approximately 2 feet (61 cm) in both height and width. It features a lavender-like appearance with basal branching and erect stems. The plant is adorned with linear leaves about 2 inches (5 cm) long, notable for their white, woolly texture due to a dense covering of hairs. During the summer, it produces clusters of yellow flowers at the stem ends, each cluster containing up to 30 small, 1/3 inch (8 mm) florets. While the flowers are not particularly showy, they provide a subtle contrast to the striking gray-white foliage.

Silver Spike is valued for its drought tolerance and the unique texture and color of its foliage, which can add visual interest to rock gardens, xeriscapes, and borders. It is often used as a ground cover or in container plantings. Due to its origin in a climate with hot, dry summers and cold, dry winters, it requires conditions that mimic its native habitat to thrive. ’Icicles’ is a popular garden cultivar, typically grown as an annual in regions with wetter climates. The plant prefers full sun exposure and can tolerate low water conditions once established. It thrives in well-drained soils and is generally low-maintenance, being resistant to most insect pests. However, it may struggle in wet, humid conditions or poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0