Licorice Plant: The Silvery Charmer That’s Not Actually About Candy
Don’t let the name fool you – the licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) won’t satisfy your sweet tooth, but it might just become your new favorite foliage plant! This trailing beauty brings a soft, silvery touch to gardens and containers with its distinctive woolly leaves and easygoing personality.
What Makes Licorice Plant Special?
Also known by its scientific name Helichrysum petiolare (and sometimes listed as Helichrysum petiolatum), this perennial shrub is all about that gorgeous foliage. The silvery-gray, fuzzy leaves create a stunning backdrop for more colorful plants, while its trailing habit makes it perfect for spilling over container edges or softening harsh landscape lines.
Small yellow button flowers do appear, but let’s be honest – you’re growing this one for those beautiful leaves that look like they’ve been dusted with silver fairy powder.
Where Does It Come From?
This South African native has made itself quite at home in California, where it grows and reproduces on its own in the wild. It’s what botanists call a non-native or introduced species – basically, it’s an immigrant plant that’s decided to stick around.
Why You Might Want to Grow Licorice Plant
Here are some compelling reasons to give this silvery charmer a spot in your garden:
- Stunning foliage contrast: Those woolly, silver-gray leaves make every other plant look more vibrant
- Drought tolerant: Once established, it shrugs off dry conditions like a champ
- Versatile grower: Works beautifully in containers, as ground cover, or trailing over walls
- Low maintenance: This is definitely a plant it and forget it kind of performer
- Fast growing: You won’t wait forever to see results
Perfect Spots for Licorice Plant
This adaptable beauty shines in several garden settings:
- Mediterranean gardens: Right at home with lavender, rosemary, and other drought-loving plants
- Rock gardens: Softens hard edges and adds texture contrast
- Container gardens: Excellent as a spiller in mixed arrangements
- Coastal gardens: Tolerates salt spray and sandy conditions
Growing Conditions and Care
Licorice plant is refreshingly easy to please:
- Sunlight: Loves full sun but tolerates some light shade
- Soil: Well-draining soil is a must – soggy feet will kill it faster than you can say root rot
- Water: Drought tolerant once established; water regularly during first season
- Climate: Hardy in USDA zones 9-11; grown as an annual in cooler areas
Planting and Care Tips
Getting the most from your licorice plant is surprisingly simple:
- Planting: Space plants 2-3 feet apart if using as ground cover
- Pruning: Pinch back growing tips regularly to encourage bushier growth
- Feeding: Light feeder – too much fertilizer can reduce that gorgeous silver coloring
- Winter care: In zones 9-11, may die back in winter but often returns; in colder areas, treat as annual or bring containers indoors
Wildlife and Pollinator Benefits
While licorice plant isn’t a native species, its small yellow flowers do attract some beneficial insects when they bloom. However, it’s primarily grown for ornamental purposes rather than wildlife support.
Consider Native Alternatives
Since licorice plant isn’t native to North America, you might also consider these native options that offer similar silvery foliage:
- Artemisia species (various sagebrushes) for similar silvery texture
- Salvia argentea (Silver Sage) for woolly, silver leaves
- Eriogonum species (Wild Buckwheats) for drought tolerance and wildlife benefits
The Bottom Line
Licorice plant brings effortless elegance to gardens with its silvery foliage and trailing habit. While it’s not a native species, it’s not considered invasive either, making it a reasonable choice for gardeners who love its unique aesthetic appeal. Just remember to pair it with some native plants to keep your local pollinators and wildlife happy too!
Whether you’re looking to add some silver sparkle to your containers or need a drought-tolerant ground cover with personality, licorice plant delivers beauty with minimal fuss – and that’s something any gardener can appreciate.
