James H. Schutte
Family
Asteraceae
Botanical Name
HELICHRYSUM thianschanicum 'Icicles'
Plant Common Name
Icicles Licorice Plant, Licorice Plant
General Description
The popular licorice plant 'Icicles' has extra narrow, linear foliage that is powdery silver. Helichrysum thianschanicum is a tender perennial that originates from the drier parts of Central Asia. Where hardy, it survives as a low, shrubby evergreen, but it is most commonly grown as bedding filler for containers and sunny flower gardens because its bright, neutral foliage compliments many colorful annuals. Once established, it is quite tough and drought tolerant.
Licorice plant is tidy, clump-forming and covered with slender, lance-shaped leaves that are slivery gray leaves. These have a anise scent when crushed. From early to midsummer, mature plants bear small clusters of small, button-like, yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies. Once spent, the old flower heads should be cut back to keep plants looking neat.
Grow licorice plant in full to partial sun and fertile to average alkaline soil with sharp drainage. It tolerates mild freezes and may fully die to the ground at its northernmost hardiness zone. Where tender, this is commonly grown as a bedding plant for beds and containers. Elsewhere it can be grown in a rockery, as edging or in a dry perennial border.
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Gold, Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Silver, Gray
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Silver, Gray
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Silver, Gray
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Silver, Gray
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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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
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edging, 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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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No
