Perennial
Licorice Plant
Helichrysum petiolare
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardHelichrysum petiolareThreadHelichrysum petiolare
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightFull Sun, Part Sun
WaterLow
Mature size12-18 inches × 24-48 inches
About Licorice Plant
Licorice Plant (Helichrysum petiolare) is a South African perennial subshrub grown for its trailing stems densely clad in soft, felted silver-gray to lime-green leaves that have a faint licorice scent when crushed. The silvery foliage makes it an exceptional filler and contrast plant in containers, hanging baskets, and mixed borders. Small cream-white flowers are produced but the foliage is the primary ornamental feature. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Summer
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Plant Licorice Plant in full sun to light partial shade. In NE Florida, treat it as a cool-season annual planted October through April — it performs beautifully through the mild winter but collapses in summer heat and humidity. It excels in containers, hanging baskets, and mixed borders during the cooler months.
Water
Water when the soil surface begins to dry; Licorice Plant tolerates brief drought but rots quickly if kept wet, especially in Florida's humid summers. Ensure excellent drainage at all times — root and stem rot from waterlogging is the primary cause of failure. In containers, allow the mix to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil & Fertilizer
Use lean, very well-drained sandy or gritty soil; rich, moisture-retentive mixes promote rot. Feed container plantings with a balanced 20-20-20 fertilizer every two weeks during the cool growing season; in-ground plantings benefit from a light monthly application. Avoid over-fertilizing, which produces lush weak growth prone to disease.
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Common questions
Is Licorice Plant a good plant for St. Augustine?
Licorice Plant is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 12-18 inches × 24-48 inches.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.