Licorice Plant Helichrysum petiolare
ABOUT
The plant known as Licorice Plant is a visually striking ornamental. Its foliage is one of its most distinctive features, often a soft, felt-like texture that can range in color from silvery gray to a greenish-silver hue. The leaves are typically small and rounded with a slightly elongated shape, and they are sometimes described as having a plush or woolly appearance due to the fine hairs that cover them. These leaves are borne on stems that can trail or spread, lending the plant a cascading or spreading habit which makes it particularly attractive in hanging baskets or as ground cover where you want to add a touch of soft, silvery texture. The surface of the leaves catches the light, often giving them a shimmery appearance that can brighten a garden setting. In summer, the Licorice Plant may produce small, inconspicuous flowers, but these blooms are not the main attraction. The overall impression of the plant is one of softness and serenity, and it is often used in gardens for contrast and to complement more brightly colored flowers. Its appeal is largely due to the soothing color of the foliage and the gentle, rounded shape of its leaves, making it a favorite among gardeners looking to create a varied landscape texture.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Licorice Plant, Trailing Licorice, Silver Licorice, Helichrysum.
Common names
Helichrysum petiolare.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the licorice plant, Helichrysum petiolare, is not recognized as toxic to humans. Typically, if a plant is not known for its toxicity, there are no expected symptoms of poisoning in humans if any part of the plant is ingested. However, it is always advisable to avoid eating plants that are not generally recognized as food as they may cause gastrointestinal upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The licorice plant, Helichrysum petiolare, does not appear on the list of plants that are toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. However, it is still generally best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for consumption, as they can sometimes cause mild digestive upset or an allergic reaction. If a pet does ingest some of the plant and shows any signs of illness, it is advisable to contact a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Silver-green
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the licorice plant, features soft, velvety, silver-gray foliage that adds a unique texture and color contrast in gardens and container arrangements.
- Drought Tolerance: The licorice plant is well-suited to dry climates and conditions, able to thrive with minimal watering once established, making it a water-wise choice for landscapes.
- Heat Resistance: It performs well in hot environments, maintaining its appearance and health even during high-temperature periods.
- Easy Propagation: The licorice plant can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to multiply their plants and expand their garden displays cost-effectively.
- Deer Resistance: The foliage of the licorice plant is typically not favored by deer, making it a good option for gardens in areas with high deer populations.
- Versatility in Landscaping: It can be used in various garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as a trailing plant in hanging baskets or over walls.
- Low Maintenance: Requiring minimal care beyond basic watering and occasional trimming, the licorice plant is ideal for novice gardeners or those looking for low-effort greenery.
- Seasonal Interest: Although known for its foliage, the licorice plant can also produce small, inconspicuous flowers that contribute to its seasonal interest in a garden setting.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Craft Projects: Licorice plant leaves can be dried and used in potpourri due to their aromatic nature and appealing texture.
- Garden Accent: With its silvery foliage, the licorice plant is often used to provide contrast and visual interest in flower arrangements and garden design.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not widely known for culinary uses, the leaves can sometimes be used to add a decorative touch to dishes.
- Fabric Dyeing: The plant's flowers and leaves can be used to produce a natural dye for fabric, providing a soft, yellowish color.
- Photography: The striking foliage of the licorice plant is used as a background in plant photography to make other colors pop.
- Living Mulch: It can function as a living mulch, covering the soil in garden beds to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Animal Bedding: Some people use the dried foliage as natural, aromatic bedding for small animals like rodents or birds.
- Erosion Control: Licorice plant can be used in garden landscapes to help prevent soil erosion on slopes due to its mat-forming growth habit.
- Education: Teachers may use its easy-to-grow attribute for school projects to introduce children to gardening and botany.
- Sensory Gardens: The plant's unique texture and scent make it an excellent addition to gardens designed for sensory stimulation.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Licorice Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Licorice Plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Everlasting Life: Helichrysum petiolare is also known as the "Licorice Plant" and belongs to a group of plants often referred to as "everlastings" for their retention of form and color when dried. This associates them with enduring life and immortality.
- Resilience: The Licorice Plant is known for its ability to withstand tough conditions and is often used in gardening for its drought tolerance. This hardiness gives it a symbolic meaning of resilience and the ability to endure difficult circumstances.
- Healing: In some traditions, Helichrysum species are used for their medicinal properties, which includes aiding in the healing process of wounds and illnesses. This gives the Licorice Plant a symbolic connection to healing and recovery.
WaterThe Licorice Plant should be watered thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. In general, this might be about once a week, but frequency can vary depending on environmental conditions like heat and humidity. It's important to provide enough water to moisten the soil all the way through to the roots but not so much that the plant is left standing in water. Use approximately 1/2 to 3/4 gallon of water per watering session for a medium-sized pot, ensuring even distribution across the soil.
LightLicorice Plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. They need a location where they are protected from the harsh midday sun, which can scorch their leaves. An east- or west-facing window with some light shade is ideal, providing them with the gentle morning or afternoon sun. Avoid deep shade, as insufficient light can lead to poor growth and leggy stems.
TemperatureLicorice Plants prefer mild temperature conditions, ideally between 50°F and 75°F, but they can withstand short periods of colder or warmer temperatures. The plant's foliage may be damaged by frost, so it is crucial to keep it in temperatures above freezing. Avoid placing it in locations where the temperature drops below 32°F or rises above 80°F for extended periods.
PruningPruning the Licorice Plant is important to maintain its shape and encourage fuller growth. Trim back leggy stems and cut off any dead or yellowing leaves to promote healthy new foliage. The best time to prune is in the late winter or early spring, before new growth starts. Pruning can be done as often as needed to keep the plant looking tidy and compact.
CleaningAs needed
SoilLicorice plant thrives best in well-draining, light, and fertile soil with a pH of 6.6 to 7.5. A good recipe for potting mix is two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients.
RepottingLicorice plants should be repotted every two to three years or when they outgrow their current pot. Choose a slightly larger pot to give the roots ample room to grow.
Humidity & MistingLicorice plant prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It can thrive in average home humidity conditions, but benefits from a boost in humidity, especially during dry winter months.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade, protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleHelichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the licorice plant, begins its life cycle as a seed, which once sown, will germinate under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling stage follows, characterized by the appearance of the plant's first true leaves and the establishment of a basic root system. As the plant enters the vegetative stage, it undergoes rapid growth, developing a larger stem structure, more leaves, and branching out. The pre-flowering stage sees the initiation of flower buds, which then bloom during the flowering stage, showcasing small, inconspicuous flowers that may attract pollinators. After pollination, the plant may produce seeds if the flowers successfully fertilize, completing the sexual reproduction cycle. In the post-flowering stage, as the plant matures and environmental conditions change, it will gradually senesce and may die back, especially if it faces a cold winter, unless it is grown in a climate where it can survive as a perennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice Plant, is by taking stem cuttings. This is best done in late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. The cutting should then be dipped in rooting hormone to stimulate root development and planted in a moist, well-draining potting mix. Covering the cutting with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator can help retain humidity and warmth, which are crucial for root development. With proper care, the cutting should root in a few weeks.
