Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare)

Also known as: Silver everlasting, Silver-bush everlasting, Silver Licorice

Helichrysum petiolare, also known as the licorice-plant, originates from South Africa, where it is commonly referred to as imphepho. This evergreen subshrub can grow up to 45 cm in height and spread to about 1.5 meters in width. It features gray-green, fuzzy leaves and tiny white blossoms. Additionally, it has been naturalized in regions such as Portugal and the United States. The plant is also known by other names, including silver-bush everlastingflower, trailing dusty miller, and kooigoed, and its foliage emits a mild licorice scent.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Licorice plant

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Vine, Shrub

Plant Height

15 cm to 23 cm

Spread

60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Gray Silver

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Yellow

Images of Licorice plant

Quickly Identify Licorice plant

Soft, silver-white ovate leaves up to 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) long.

Shrub reaching 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and 10 feet (3 meters) wide.

Cream-colored inconspicuous flowers in clusters 2 inches (5 cm) across.

Aromatic foliage adding to distinctive traits.

Scientific Classification of Licorice plant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asterales

Family

Daisy

Genus

Helichrysum

Species

Licorice plant

Planting and Growing of Licorice plant

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Licorice plant?

Helichrysum petiolare requires a balanced watering approach. Water until the soil feels moist to the touch but avoid waterlogging. Pour approximately 250 milliliters each time, ensuring even distribution around the base.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Licorice plant? ›

What should I do if my Licorice plant is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Licorice plant? ›

How to save an overwatered Licorice plant? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Licorice plant?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Helichrysum petiolare prefers full sun to partial sun with an ideal exposure range of 6 to 8 hours. Proper lighting promotes dense growth, lush foliage, and a resilient plant that can fend off environmental stresses effectively.

How much sunlight does Helichrysum petiolare need daily? ›

What kind of lighting setup works best for this plant indoors? ›

Is it beneficial to move the plant outdoors during warmer months? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Licorice plant?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Helichrysum petiolare is between 65°F and 75°F. This warm temperature range ensures optimal growth and health for the plant. Maintaining temperatures within this range promotes vigorous growth and keeps the foliage looking vibrant and healthy.

What Soil is Best for Licorice plant?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Helichrysum petiolare thrives in well-drained soil, as it prevents waterlogging and ensures the roots have access to air and nutrients. This soil type reduces the risk of root rot, a common problem observed in overly moist conditions. This plant prefers soil with moderate fertility, which provides essential nutrients without promoting excessive foliage growth. Balanced nutrients help maintain its compact form and attractive foliage. A pH range between 6.5 and 7.5 is ideal, providing an environment where nutrient availability is optimized. This pH range supports healthy growth and enhances the plant's resistance to diseases and pests. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Licorice plant?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Helichrysum petiolare, it's essential to strike a balance. Use a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 at half the recommended strength for liquid fertilization. Ensure the plant receives nutrients without risking root burn. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Licorice plant?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by examining the plant and identifying any dead, damaged, or diseased stems. Remove these first to improve air circulation. Next, focus on maintaining the desired shape by trimming overgrown branches using clean, angled cuts just above a leaf node. Ensure to step back occasionally to assess overall shape and symmetry. To promote a more compact and bushy appearance, pinch back new growth tips regularly. This technique encourages lateral shoots, filling out the plant and enhancing its aesthetic appeal. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Licorice plant plant?

Propagate Time: Late spring, Early summer

Choose a healthy, vigorous stem that is free from diseases and pests. The ideal cutting should be about 4-6 inches long with several leaf nodes. Avoid overly woody or very new and soft stems for better success.

Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving a few sets of leaves at the top. This reduces moisture loss and helps the cutting focus its energy on root development. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage quicker root growth.

Place the prepared cutting into a pot with well-draining soil, burying enough stem to keep it upright. Water the soil lightly, ensuring it is damp but not waterlogged, and place the pot in a warm, bright location away from direct sunlight.

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How to Repot Licorice plant plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Helichrysum petiolare shows signs it's time for repotting when you notice roots growing through drainage holes or if the plant growth is stunted. Repotting in spring or summer is best as the plant is in its growing phase and can recover quickly.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one. Ensure it has adequate drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A slightly larger pot allows the roots more room to grow, promoting a healthier plant.

Choose a well-draining potting mix, ideally one that contains a blend of peat, bark, and perlite. This mix ensures excess water drains away quickly, reducing the risk of root rot, which Helichrysum petiolare can be susceptible to.

Toxicity of Licorice plant

Is Licorice plant toxic to humans?

The licorice plant exhibits a moderate degree of toxicity in humans, with all parts of the plant capable of inducing poisoning if ingested. Upon consuming portions of the licorice plant, individuals may encounter various symptoms that signify poisoning. These symptoms can encompass gastrointestinal issues, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, along with possible neurological effects such as dizziness or headaches. The intensity of these symptoms may fluctuate based on the quantity of plant material consumed. It is crucial for individuals to recognize the dangers associated with accidental consumption of the licorice plant, particularly since the entire plant, including sections that might be wrongly considered safe, can result in negative health repercussions.

Is Licorice plant toxic to cat?

The licorice plant presents a moderate level of danger to cats upon ingestion, even if it's unintentional. Since all parts of the licorice plant are toxic, a cat can be exposed to its harmful effects if it chews on or consumes any part of it. Following ingestion, cats may suffer from various physical discomforts or distress, highlighting the importance of pet owners closely supervising their cats and restricting their access to this plant. If there is any suspicion of licorice plant poisoning in a cat, it is crucial to obtain veterinary assistance without delay to avert further health issues.

Is Licorice plant toxic to dog?

The licorice plant is recognized for its moderate toxicity in dogs. Any part of this plant can be harmful to canines, making it essential to consider the whole plant as toxic. Dogs might accidentally eat the licorice plant, particularly if they are in an area where it grows. Once consumed, a dog may show signs such as gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, diarrhea, or potentially more severe reactions based on the quantity ingested. Given the moderate toxicity of the licorice plant, it is vital for dog owners to keep a close watch on their pets and restrict their access to this plant. Should a dog ingest this plant, seeking immediate veterinary assistance is crucial for appropriate treatment and care.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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