shrub

Licorice Plant

The Story

Plant Bio

Helichrysum petiolare, the licorice plant, is a vigorous, trailing evergreen subshrub native to southern Africa that forms a dense, mounding carpet of woolly foliage. The round, silver-white leaves are covered in dense, velvety hairs and release a faint licorice aroma when crushed.

While primarily grown for its luminous, light-reflective foliage, the plant produces small, clustered heads of cream-colored flowers from summer to fall. Its cascading stems make it highly effective for softening container edges, retaining walls, or dry garden borders.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking, light-reflective silver foliage that cascades beautifully over container edges and retaining walls.

Highly drought-tolerant and salt-tolerant, making it excellent for low-maintenance coastal landscapes.

Attracts small native bees and beneficial insects to the garden with its summer blooms.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

39"

Width

59"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Southern Africa

Toxicity

Skin irritant

Bloom period

Summer – Fall

In flower about 6 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site with full sun and exceptionally well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
Space plants 4 to 5 feet apart to accommodate their vigorous, sprawling growth habit.
Water sparingly once established, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Prune back the trailing stems in early spring to maintain a compact shape and prevent legginess.

Pro Tip

Avoid cutting back into old, leafless woody stems, as these lack dormant buds and will fail to regenerate new growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Grow in containers or raised beds if your garden soil is heavy clay.
Provide excellent air circulation to minimize the risk of powdery mildew.
Protect container-grown plants or move them indoors before the first hard frost in cold climates.

Don't

Do not overwater or allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Do not cut back into old, bare woody stems when pruning.
Avoid applying heavy fertilizers, as this species thrives in low-nutrient soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

GroundcoverContainer plantingHanging basketsCoastal gardensRock gardens

Companion Plants

Artemisia Salvia Lavandula Rosmarinus

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Licorice Plant questions

What zones can Licorice Plant grow in?

Licorice Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Licorice Plant deer resistant?

Yes — Licorice Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Licorice Plant bloom?

Licorice Plant typically blooms in summer through fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Licorice Plant need full sun?

Licorice Plant does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Licorice Plant drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Licorice Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.