Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ is a popular ornamental plant, valued for its distinctive silvery-white, fuzzy foliage. It adds visual texture and color contrast to various garden settings. This plant is cultivated for its aesthetic qualities and is not related to edible licorice root.
Understanding Helichrysum White Licorice
Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ (Helichrysum petiolare) is a tender perennial often grown as an annual in cooler climates. It is characterized by soft, felted, silvery-white leaves, which are broadly ovate and densely covered in fine hairs, giving them a velvety texture. The foliage can also have hints of grayish-green.
It typically exhibits a trailing or mounding growth habit, with stems that can spread and intermingle with other plants. While it can grow 8 to 12 inches tall, its spread can reach 18 to 20 inches, or even up to 3 to 4 feet. Though it produces small, insignificant white flowers, the plant is primarily grown for its attractive foliage. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, where it behaves as a perennial; in colder regions, it is commonly cultivated as an annual.
Growing and Caring for Helichrysum White Licorice
Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ is relatively easy to grow, making it suitable for many gardeners. Providing the right conditions ensures the plant maintains its vibrant foliage and vigorous growth. Attention to light, soil, watering, and occasional maintenance will help it thrive.
Light
This plant performs best in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Ample light helps maintain its silvery coloration and dense foliage. While it can tolerate partial shade, prolonged lower light levels may result in leggy stems and less vibrant foliage.
Soil and Watering
Well-draining soil is important for Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ to prevent root rot. The plant prefers average to dry soil conditions and is drought-tolerant once established. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can lead to issues. In hot weather or when grown in containers, more frequent watering may be necessary.
Temperature and Humidity
Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ is heat tolerant and thrives in warm environments. It is not frost-hardy. In high humidity, fungal diseases can be a concern, so ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing
Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ generally does not require heavy fertilization. Over-fertilizing can reduce the intensity of its silvery foliage color and may lead to leggy growth. If the soil is poor, incorporating compost at planting can provide sufficient nutrients. A light application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring or a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly during active growth supports healthy development.
Pruning
Pruning Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ maintains its shape, encourages bushiness, and prevents legginess. Pinching back the tips of the stems promotes a denser growth habit. A more significant prune in early spring encourages new, stronger growth and compactness. Prune above a leaf node, as stems may not regrow if cut back too hard into woody sections.
Using Helichrysum White Licorice in Your Landscape
Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ adds texture and contrasting color to garden designs. Its trailing habit makes it an excellent “spiller” in container arrangements and hanging baskets, allowing its silvery foliage to cascade attractively over the edges. It can also be used as a groundcover, forming a low mound that weaves through other plants.
The silvery-white leaves provide striking contrast when paired with plants that have darker foliage or bright flower colors. It complements plants with purple, blue, pink, or yellow blooms, such as angelonia, coleus, sweet potato vine, and calibrachoa, enhancing mixed beds or borders.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Helichrysum ‘White Licorice’ is generally regarded as a low-maintenance plant with good resistance to common pests and diseases. However, growers may encounter a few issues, primarily related to cultural conditions.
Leggy growth is a common concern for this plant, where stems become elongated and sparse. This often occurs due to insufficient light or excessive fertilization. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth, and increased light exposure helps maintain a compact form.
The plant is susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly draining soil. Ensuring the soil drains well and allowing it to dry between waterings can prevent this. In humid conditions, fungal diseases can emerge; good air circulation is beneficial. Pests like aphids or mealybugs are generally not a widespread problem.