Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare)
Discover Helichrysum petiolare, the Licorice plant, prized for silvery, woolly foliage and drought tolerance. Easy annual for containers.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The value of Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, lies primarily in its attractive, densely-felted foliage rather than its blossoms. Gardeners prize this plant for the soft, woolly texture and silvery-gray color of its leaves, which provide excellent contrast against bright green or dark foliage plants. This shrubby, tender perennial exhibits a wonderful trailing or mounding habit, making it highly versatile in mixed plantings.
While technically a perennial hardy in Zones 9-11, the Licorice plant is widely cultivated as a dependable, tough annual outside these warmer regions. It performs best when provided excellent drainage, as it dislikes sitting in soggy soil, tolerating dry conditions once established. This adaptability, coupled with its low maintenance requirements, makes Helichrysum petiolare a superb textural addition to summer displays.
Though flowers are often insignificant, the foliage of Helichrysum petiolare can sometimes release a slight licorice scent on hot summer days, earning it its common name. Cultivars offer variations in leaf color, sometimes featuring chartreuse or variegated patterns. Use this trailing texture to soften edges or spill dramatically from hanging baskets throughout the growing season.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Asteraceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Native Range: Southern Africa
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.5-0.75 ft
- Spread: 0.5-3 ft
- Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
- Bloom Description: White (non-flowering as annual)
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For optimal growth, plant the Licorice plant in spring after the danger of frost has passed. It thrives in full sun, though it tolerates light afternoon shade, especially in the hottest climates. Superior soil drainage is the paramount requirement for success; Helichrysum petiolare tolerates poor soils but must not sit in waterlogged conditions, which rapidly leads to root rot.
Care for this foliage favorite is generally easy. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings since it prefers dry to medium conditions. Fertilizing is usually unnecessary, particularly when grown in containers where nutrients are limited, though a balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied early in the season if desired. Prune stems only if they become too long or leggy to encourage a bushier habit.
If growing in the ground in northern zones, treat Helichrysum petiolare as an annual and remove it before the first hard frost. Gardeners in Zones 9-10 may attempt to overwinter it as a tender evergreen perennial. To do this, bring containers indoors before frost or take cuttings in late summer for establishing indoor plants or starting new ones for the following year.
Landscape Uses
The trailing nature of the Licorice plant makes it an exceptional “spiller” in container arrangements. It excels when planted alongside upright “thrillers” and mounding “fillers” in hanging baskets and patio pots, where its silvery leaves beautifully cascade over the rim. It works equally well spilling over the edge of retaining walls or stone borders, softening hard architectural lines.
As an annual ground cover, Helichrysum petiolare quickly covers space with its dense, silvery mat. Its tolerance for dry conditions means it pairs excellently with other drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs or succulents in rock gardens where rich, frequent watering is not feasible. This foliage provides a cool, calming contrast in designs featuring deep purples, vivid reds, or bright yellows.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Helichrysum petiolare, commonly called Licorice plant, is grown for its silvery, densely-felted foliage and trailing habit. It is a shrubby, woody-based tender perennial that typically grows 1-2’ tall but spreads to as much as 3-4’ wide on upright to trailing stems densely clad with soft, woolly, oval-rounded, gray-green leaves (1.5” long). When grown as annuals, plants generally grow to 6-9” tall and usually will not flower. The genus name comes from the Greek words helios meaning the sun and chrysos meaning golden.
Tolerances
- Drought
Potential Problems
The primary concern when cultivating Helichrysum petiolare is root rot. This issue is strongly correlated with poor soil preparation, as the plant requires superior drainage to flourish. Always amend heavy clay soils generously with grit or sand before planting the Licorice plant in the ground. If plants appear limp or yellow despite adequate sun exposure, immediately check the soil moisture levels, as overwatering is often the culprit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Helichrysum petiolare suitable for?
This plant is a tender evergreen perennial hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, but it is frequently grown as an annual in cooler climates.
How large does the Licorice plant grow?
When grown as an annual, expect it to reach 6-9 inches tall but spread up to 3 feet wide. Mature perennials can reach 1-2 feet tall and spread up to 4 feet.
What sun exposure does Helichrysum petiolare need?
The foliage color is best maintained when planted in full sun, though it will tolerate partial shade, especially during intense afternoon heat.
When does the Licorice plant bloom?
The flowers of Helichrysum petiolare are generally considered insignificant. If they do appear, they are small and white.
Conclusion
The silvery, textural foliage defines the appeal of Helichrysum petiolare, providing season-long interest with remarkably little effort. Its low maintenance needs and remarkable drought tolerance solidify the Licorice plant as an essential component for carefree summer designs. Check your local frost dates and ensure perfectly draining soil before planting your specimens this spring.
Propagation Tips
Propagating Helichrysum petiolare is simple, offering gardeners an excellent way to secure plants for the next season. Since cultivars may not grow true to seed, vegetative propagation is highly recommended. Take cuttings in late summer, ensuring the stem sections have several nodes. Remove the leaves from the lowest two nodes and place the cuttings directly into moist, sterile potting mix or water.
These cuttings root rapidly, often within a few weeks, establishing a woody base suitable for overwintering. If you are in a cold climate, bring rooted cuttings indoors before the first frost to maintain a supply of stock plants. This method ensures you retain the exact traits of the parent plant, whether it is the standard silver or a desirable variegated cultivar.
Companion Planting
Because the Licorice plant thrives in dry conditions and requires low fertility, choose companions that share similar, undemanding cultural needs. Pair it with Mediterranean herbs like Lavender (Lavandula) or Thyme (Thymus) for complementary textures and scents. In containers, contrast the soft, velvety silver of the foliage against spiky architectural plants like certain Dracaena or Yucca varieties for dramatic impact. Avoid planting alongside heavy feeders or moisture-loving annuals, as the drainage needs will conflict.
