Overview

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herb in the genus Glycyrrhiza, part of the Fabaceae family. It typically grows around 1.2 m tall. Glycyrrhiza glabra grows best in full sun, and tolerates sandy and loamy soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include herbal medicine, flavoring and ground cover. It is native to Mediterranean to S.W. Asia.

About

Glycyrrhiza glabra is a perennial herb cultivated for use in herbal medicine and as a flavouring. It grows to around 1.2 m and flowers from June to August. Plants perform best in full sun on a south-facing site in sandy to loamy soil that is neutral to alkaline and moist but well-drained. It is rated H5 (hardy) in the UK and is also suited to USDA zones 7–10.

About the genus

Glycyrrhiza is a genus of about 20 accepted species in the legume family (Fabaceae), with a subcosmopolitan distribution in Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Americas.

Wikipedia contributors, "Glycyrrhiza", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Glycyrrhiza

In the garden

Glycyrrhiza glabra originates from the Mediterranean region extending into south‑west Asia and is grown chiefly for its use in herbal preparations and flavouring. As a perennial herb it reaches about 1.2 m and produces its flowering display between June and August. Give it a sunny, south‑facing position and a free‑draining medium such as sandy or loamy soil; soils should be neutral to alkaline and retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged. The plant is rated H5 in the UK, meaning it is classed as hardy, and it also performs within USDA zones 7–10. In a planting scheme place liquorice where its height and herbaceous habit can be accommodated — it works as a ground cover in larger herb beds or at the back of herbaceous borders, and is appropriate for a designated medicinal or culinary plot. Allow room for the mature height so the above‑ground growth and rootstock can develop. Leave stems in place over winter where local conditions allow, and plan harvests with the plant's use in herbal medicine and flavouring in mind so that the root material has had time to establish.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Glycyrrhiza

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Sandy, Loamy

Soil pH

Neutral to alkaline

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

South-facing

Exposure

Full sun

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Glycyrrhiza glabra size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Perennial herb

Height

1.2 m

Suggested uses

Herbal medicine, flavoring, ground cover

Native to

Mediterranean to S.W. Asia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Glycyrrhiza glabra

Cultivation

Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil with consistent moisture; avoid waterlogging.

Pruning

Minimal pruning required; remove dead or damaged stems.

Propagation

By seed or root cuttings

Frequently asked questions