How to Grow Licorice Plant
Helichrysum petiolare
Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare) is a half-hardy trailing foliage plant for full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Usually bought as young plants in spring. Plant out after last frost into hanging baskets, mixed containers, and border edges where its silvery felted leaves soften planting schemes. Drought tolerant once established but grows best with moderate watering. Feed lightly every two to three weeks. Trim trailing stems to keep compact. Not frost-hardy; discard or overwinter cuttings indoors at season end.
In your Leaftide garden - Hardiness
- Half Hardy
- Season
- Warm Season
- Harvest
- Continuous Harvest
- Spacing
- 40 cm
- Height
- 30 cm
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
- Start from
- Seed
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Low
When to Start
Sow indoors 6 weeks before last frost, or direct sow outdoors after frost risk has passed and soil reaches 12°C.
Don't know your frost date? Find it here →
Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Light liquid feed every two to three weeks. Avoid overfeeding which promotes leggy growth at the expense of compact silvery foliage.
- Trailing foliage plant grown for its soft, silvery, felted leaves rather than its insignificant flowers. Excellent filler and spiller in mixed containers and hanging baskets. Drought tolerant once established. The foliage has a faint licorice aroma in warm weather.
Growing Conditions
- Min. soil temperature
- 12°C+
- Sow indoors
- —
- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
Want your full season plan with reminders? Set up your garden free
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 40 cm |
| Row spacing | 50 cm |
| Mature height | 30 cm |
| Mature spread | 90 cm |
For trailing foliage in hanging baskets and mixed containers. Spreads widely so give room at container edges.
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 12°C |
| Base growth temperature | 10°C |
| Min. daylength to start | 11h |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Licorice Plant?
- Plant Licorice Plant 40cm apart with 50cm between rows.
- When does Licorice Plant flower?
- Licorice Plant typically flowers approximately 40 days after transplanting.
- Is Licorice Plant frost hardy?
- Licorice Plant is classified as Half Hardy.