Water deficit regimes trigger changes in valuable physiological and phytochemical parameters in Helichrysum petiolare Hilliard & B.L. Burtt

•The first report on physio-chemical trait changes under water stress in Helicrhysum.•Moderate (50% container capacity) and severe (0% CC) water stress were applied.•Moderate water stress induced slight changes and led to an increase of WUE.•Moderate water stress modified VOCs and Eos constituents.•Helicrhysum can be irrigated at 50% CC, saving water.