How to Grow Licorice Plant

Licorice Plant

Helichrysum petiolare

shrub

Helichrysum petiolare is a tender perennial shrub native to South Africa, prized for its soft, silvery-gray woolly foliage and trailing or mounding growth habit. It produces small, inconspicuous pale yellow button-like flowers in summer, but is grown primarily as a foliage accent plant. Commonly used in containers, hanging baskets, and mixed borders for its aromatic, licorice-scented leaves.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but best color and form in full sun

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Water: Moderate watering; allow soil to dry between waterings. Drought-tolerant once established. Overwatering causes root rot and leaf loss. In containers, water when top inch of soil is dry.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches for compact varieties; up to 24 inches for vigorous trailing types inches

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Days to maturity: 45-60 days to decorative size; slower than annual bedding plants

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Planting depth: Surface sow seeds or plant transplants at same depth as nursery pot; seeds need light to germinate

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil

pH: 6.0-7.0

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost for mild nutrient enrichment Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soils

Growing Zones

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Zones 10-11; grown as annual or tender perennial in zones 9 and cooler regions

9b 10a 10b 11a 11b

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny gray-green cotyledons emerge; fuzzy foliage becoming visible within 7-10 days. Very delicate at this stage.

Provide bright light immediately; do not overwater. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Maintain 65-75°F for best germination.

Juvenile Growth

3-4 weeks

First true leaves appear with characteristic silvery-gray fuzz and elliptical shape. Plant develops branching structure and trailing or mounding form becomes apparent.

Begin light fertilizing with balanced or slightly low-nitrogen formula. Pinch growing tips to encourage bushiness. Increase light exposure gradually.

Vegetative/Foliage Development

4-8 weeks

Robust branching with dense coverage of soft, silvery-gray foliage. Plant reaches full ornamental size; trailing varieties cascade or mounding types form compact mounds.

Maintain consistent but not excessive watering. Feed every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Prune or pinch as needed to shape. Airflow is important to prevent fungal issues.

Flowering

8-12+ weeks (spring through fall in warm climates)

Small, pale yellow button-like flower clusters (flower heads) appear at branch tips. Flowers are secondary to foliage interest; bloom period extends through warm months.

Deadheading is optional; flowers don't significantly detract from appearance. Continue regular feeding and watering. Flowers attract some beneficial insects.

Decline/Overwintering

Variable; winter dormancy phase

Plant growth slows or stops in cold weather; foliage may lose luster. In zones 9-10, plant may survive winter outdoors but will be stressed; in cooler zones, plants are killed by frost.

In cold climates, take cuttings before frost for overwintering indoors. Reduce watering in winter if plant survives outdoors. Trim back damaged growth in spring. Can be grown as annual in zones 3-9.

Companion Planting

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Plant with:

Purple petunias Blue delphiniums Dark dusty miller (Senecio cineraria) Coral impatiens White verbena Trailing ivy (Hedera helix) Nasturtiums Calibrachoa Nemesia

Avoid planting near:

Plants requiring consistently moist soil (hostas, astilbes) Densely competitive large shrubs that will shade it out Heavy feeders that may compete for nutrients in containers

Common Pests

Mist foliage with water to increase humidity; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if infestation occurs. Ensure good airflow.
Yellow sticky traps; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly if needed. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Improve air circulation; avoid wetting foliage. Apply sulfur dust or copper fungicide if disease appears. Remove infected leaves.
Ensure excellent drainage and well-aerated soil. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Remove and discard severely infected plants.

Uses

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Aromatic tea and flavoring

Culinary

The leaves have a distinctive licorice-like aroma and slight sweet flavor, traditionally used in herbal teas. Small amounts of fresh leaves can add aromatic interest to beverages, though use is primarily ornamental and medicinal. [source]

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Traditional herbal remedy

Medicinal

In some traditional medicine systems, Helichrysum species have been used to support respiratory and digestive health. Leaves are sometimes dried for herbal infusions, though scientific evidence is limited. [source]

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Dried flower arrangements and crafts

Household

The flowers and foliage dry well and maintain their color and soft texture for use in dried arrangements, wreaths, and crafts. Provides long-lasting silvery gray tones for design projects. [source]

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Fragrant dried potpourri

Craft

Dried leaves and flowers can be used in potpourri mixes, sachets, and scented crafts thanks to their persistent licorice-like fragrance. Retains scent well when dried. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

The small yellow flowers attract bees and other beneficial insects, making it a minor but useful nectar source in mixed container gardens and landscapes. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Helichrysum petiolare is grown for ornamental foliage rather than harvested. Cut stems for floral arrangements or arrangements anytime; foliage remains attractive when dried. Pinch or prune growing tips regularly (every 2-3 weeks) to maintain compact, bushy form and remove any leggy growth. Fresh foliage can be rubbed and smelled for the distinctive licorice scent.

Fun Facts

🌱 The common name 'Licorice Plant' refers to the distinctive licorice or anise-like scent of the foliage when brushed or crushed; this aroma is stronger in warm weather.
🌱 Helichrysum petiolare is related to H. italicum (Curry Plant), another aromatic foliage species, and both belong to the Asteraceae (Daisy) family which includes many everlasting flower species.
🌱 In mild climates (zones 9-11), this plant can become woody and semi-shrubby with age; older plants are often rejuvenated by hard pruning or replaced entirely, as cuttings root extremely easily in water or moist soil.

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