perennial

Licorice Plant

Helichrysum thianschanicum 'Icicles'

The Story

Plant Bio

Helichrysum thianschanicum, known as the Silver Everlasting, is a perennial herb with attractive, silvery-gray foliage and clusters of small, yellow flowers that retain their color when dried, forming a compact, bushy habit.

This cultivar, Icicles, is distinguished by its particularly dense, silvery foliage and its ability to produce long-lasting, vibrant flower heads that are highly valued in dried floral arrangements.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides silvery foliage and cheerful yellow flowers, adding texture and color to drought-tolerant landscapes.

Requires minimal watering and maintenance, ideal for xeriscaping.

Supports pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing garden biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

24 inches

Light

Full Sun

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Low to moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Central Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-draining soil.
Water lightly until established, about 2 weeks.
Place in full sun for optimal flowering.
Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season.
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape.
Mulch around base to conserve moisture.

Pro Tip

Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot and promote healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water sparingly during drought conditions 🌱
Prune dead or faded flowers regularly
Apply light fertilization in spring

Don't

Overwater or let sit in wet soil ❌
Use heavy mulch that retains moisture
Allow soil to become compacted

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Harvest
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Silver-foliaged borderDrought-tolerant garden bed

Companion Plants

Lavender Sedum Echinacea SalviaRussian sage

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 7–10. 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 mid-summer through late summer. 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 (6+ hours).

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.