Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
HELICHRYSUM petiolare 'Petite Licorice'
Plant Common Name
Licorice Plant
General Description
The low-growing ‘Petite Licorice’ is a more compact selection of the silver-leaved licorice plant. It is heat and drought tolerant and its silver leaves blend well with pastel or jewel-toned flowers.
Licorice plant originates from southern Africa. There it survives as a tough compact shrub. The small silver leaves of ‘Petite Licorice’ are oval and fragrant when crushed. Fine silver hairs cover their surface giving them a woolly texture. The trailing stems are branched and form very compact mounded plants. Where hardy, licorice plant also bears clusters of small, creamy white flowers that appear on tall stems above the foliage. They bloom from spring to summer and persist through the winter in most locations. The flowers are papery and everlasting if dried in their prime.
Licorice plant is grown as a low shrub in frost-free zones and an annual bedding plant where tender. It prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade, and is not too picky about soil as long as it has good drainage. Once established, it is drought and heat tolerant. Shear or pinch plants back in spring to control size and shape. Use dwarf licorice plant in beds, as edging, in containers, or rock gardens. Plant a few where children garden and play. Little fingers love to touch the fuzzy leaves.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 11
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Sunset Zone
16, 17, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
10"-12" / 25.4cm - 30.5cm
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Width
18"-36" / 45.7cm - 91.4cm
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Bloom Time
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Spreading
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Ivory
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Fruit Color
Yellow, Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Silver
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Silver
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Silver
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Foliage Color (Winter)
White, Silver
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Bark Color
Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Foundation, Groundcover, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
Yes
