Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare)

Licorice Plant

Helichrysum petiolare

Soft silver foliage trails like a frosted cloud, adding texture to hanging baskets. Trailing perennial herb; common name: Licorice Plant.

Full sun to partial shade; bright light maintains silvery foliage color, avoid intense midday sun in hot climates
1–2/week
Beginner
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Full sun to partial shade; bright light maintains silvery foliage color, avoid intense midday sun in hot climates
💧
Watering Allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot
🌡️
Temperature Hardy to 5°C; protect from frost in winter; prefers warm, dry conditions
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round to ovate, silvery-gray, fuzzy, 2–5 cm long, with a mild licorice scent when crushed
  • Stem: Slender, trailing, densely covered in fine white hairs
  • Flower: Small, creamy-white, button-like inflorescences; less showy than foliage
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Water regularly, allowing soil to dry slightly between sessions

Fertilization

Feed once monthly with diluted balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent loss of silvery foliage color

Banana peel compost tea:Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench to support foliage health
Pruning
  • Pinch back stem tips regularly to encourage bushier growth
  • Trim leggy stems in early spring to maintain compact habit
  • Remove spent flower heads to redirect energy to foliage production
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats; no known adverse effects

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; mild licorice scent is not harmful

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental ground cover, hanging basket filler, container accent; foliage used in dried flower arrangements