Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’, commonly known as Licorice Plant ‘Icicles’, is a popular ornamental plant valued for its distinct foliage and adaptable nature. This cultivar of Helichrysum petiolare offers a unique aesthetic, making it a favored choice for various garden designs. Its ease of care further contributes to its widespread appeal among gardeners. This guide provides comprehensive information on cultivating and maintaining this attractive plant.
Understanding Helichrysum Icicles
Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’ is characterized by its soft, silvery-grey foliage, which provides a striking contrast in garden settings. The leaves are narrow and possess a velvety or fuzzy texture, contributing to the plant’s unique tactile and visual appeal. This specific texture often gives the plant its “icicles” moniker, as the leaves can appear frosted or icy.
The plant typically exhibits an upright mounding habit, with stems that can also trail, making it versatile for different planting applications. It generally reaches a height of 8 to 16 inches and can spread up to 20 inches wide. Native to South Africa, Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’ is often grown as an annual in cooler climates but can be a tender perennial in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. Its captivating color and texture enhance containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’ thrives in locations that receive full sun exposure, which promotes the best foliage color and robust growth. While it tolerates some partial shade, consistent bright light is beneficial for its development. The plant requires well-draining soil to prevent root issues. Sandy or gritty soil mixes are ideal, as heavy, waterlogged conditions can be detrimental.
Once established, ‘Icicles’ is notably drought-tolerant, preferring infrequent but deep watering. Allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings is important to maintain plant health. It prefers warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost, which aligns with its hardiness in zones 8-11. This heat-tolerant plant performs well in arid conditions, making it a resilient choice for various landscapes.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’ is considered a low-feeding plant and typically requires minimal or no fertilization, especially if planted in good quality soil. If supplemental nutrients are desired, a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer can be applied sparingly during its active growing season. Pruning helps maintain the plant’s shape, encourages bushier growth, and prevents it from becoming leggy. Light trimming and pinching back stems are effective methods to achieve this.
The plant generally exhibits good resistance to common pests and diseases. It is also known to be deer resistant, which can be an advantage in areas where deer are a concern. Overwatering is the primary concern, as it can lead to root rot. Ensuring good air circulation around the plant helps prevent potential fungal issues. Due to its trailing and mounding habit, ‘Icicles’ is often used in hanging baskets, containers, rock gardens, as groundcover, or as a border plant to add unique texture.
Propagating Helichrysum Icicles
Propagating Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’ is readily achieved through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. Select healthy, non-flowering stems approximately 4 to 6 inches in length. Make a clean cut just below a leaf node, as this is where rooting hormones are naturally concentrated.
Remove the leaves from the bottom 2 inches of the cutting to expose the nodes. These prepared cuttings can then be rooted in a well-draining potting mix or in water. For best results, dip the cut end in rooting hormone before inserting it into moist soil. Place the cuttings in a warm location with indirect light and maintain consistent moisture in the rooting medium until new growth indicates successful establishment.
Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’, commonly known as Licorice Plant ‘Icicles’, is a popular ornamental plant valued for its distinct foliage and adaptable nature. This cultivar of Helichrysum petiolare offers a unique aesthetic, making it a favored choice for various garden designs. Its ease of care further contributes to its widespread appeal among gardeners. This guide provides comprehensive information on cultivating and maintaining this attractive plant.
Optimal Growing Conditions
Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’ thrives in locations that receive full sun exposure, which promotes the best foliage color and robust growth. While it tolerates some partial shade, consistent bright light is beneficial for its development. The plant requires well-draining soil to prevent root issues. Sandy or gritty soil mixes are ideal, as heavy, waterlogged conditions can be detrimental.
Once established, ‘Icicles’ is notably drought-tolerant, preferring infrequent but deep watering. Allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings is important to maintain plant health. It prefers warm temperatures and is sensitive to frost, which aligns with its hardiness in zones 8-11. This heat-tolerant plant performs well in arid conditions, making it a resilient choice for various landscapes.
Propagating Helichrysum Icicles
Propagating Helichrysum petiolare ‘Icicles’ is readily achieved through stem cuttings. The ideal time to take cuttings is during the summer months, specifically late summer, when the plant is actively growing and non-flowering shoots are available. Select healthy stems approximately 4 to 6 inches in length, making a clean cut just below a leaf node.
Remove the leaves from the bottom 1 to 2 inches of the cutting, ensuring that at least one leaf node is buried under the soil. While optional, dipping the cut end in rooting hormone powder can accelerate the rooting process. Insert the cutting into a well-draining seed starting mix or potting mix, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Place the potted cutting in a bright, warm location with indirect sunlight, and new roots should begin to develop within 4 to 6 weeks.