About
Helichrysum petiolare, the liquorice plant, is a trailing sub-shrub to 45 cm with white stems bearing broadly oval, grey-hairy, evergreen leaves. Small, dull-white flowerheads are produced on erect stems in late summer and autumn. Widely grown as an ornamental foliage plant in containers and hanging baskets for its distinctive, silver-grey, felted leaves.
About the genus
Helichrysum are annuals, perennials and evergreen shrubs with typically grey- or white-hairy foliage and papery, 'everlasting' flowerheads in yellow, white, pink or orange. Grown for their foliage and long-lasting blooms in sunny, well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeBedding, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitTrailing
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Patio and container plants
Native toSouthern Africa
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. Water in prolonged dry spells
PruningTrim as required
PropagationTake softwood cuttings from the ends of non-flowering shoots in late summer or softwood cuttings in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus in gardens where it is present but insufficient data to determine degree of susceptibility. May also be susceptible to downy mildews and powdery mildews