Licorice Plant: Complete Guide

By Mohammad Barzegar, Director, TQN Mowing · Reviewed by an experienced Sydney gardener · Updated October 2026 · 9 min read

Licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) is a soft, silver-grey foliage plant that grows best in full sun with free-draining soil, and Sydney gardeners can plant it in autumn or spring. The biggest mistake is overwatering, which rots the woolly stems far faster than dry spells harm them.

This guide shows when to plant, what you need, the steps, how it behaves in pots and beds, and what help costs in Sydney.

When to plant licorice plant in Sydney

Sydney’s warm temperate climate suits this plant in most suburbs, though frost in the west and the Blue Mountains can damage soft growth.

Season	What to do	Why
Spring (September to November)	Plant out, feed lightly and start regular trimming	Warm soil and mild days let roots settle before summer humidity.
Summer (December to February)	Water carefully, tip-prune and watch for fungal spots	Humid weather can cause leaf rot if foliage stays wet.
Autumn (March to May)	Plant, divide and take cuttings	Mild conditions and autumn rain help new plants establish.
Winter (June to August)	Reduce watering and protect from frost	Cold, wet soil causes stem rot, and frost burns silver foliage.

What you need to grow licorice plant

Item	What it is for	Tip
Starter plants in tubes or pots	The starting plants	Choose bushy plants with silver, healthy leaves and no black patches.
Free-draining potting mix	Pots and hanging baskets	Use a premium mix from Bunnings or a nursery, and add extra drainage material if the mix is heavy.
Compost and coarse sand	Improving clay or compacted soil	Fork in lightly, since it dislikes soggy roots.
Mulch	Moisture and weed control	Keep it off the stems to avoid collar rot.
Secateurs	Trimming and shaping	Clean the blades before each use to avoid spreading disease.
Slow-release fertiliser	Light seasonal feeding	Follow the label exactly and never mix products.

Licorice plant: step by step

1. Pick a sunny spot, and confirm the soil drains, because standing water for a day or two is a warning sign.
2. Soak the pot, then loosen the root ball and trim any circling roots before planting.
3. Dig a hole slightly wider than the root ball and about the same depth, so the crown sits level with the soil.
4. Space plants about 40 to 60 cm apart for a trailing edge (indicative — check the plant label).
5. Backfill, firm gently and water in slowly, before 10 am or after 4 pm.
6. Mulch lightly around the plant, leaving the stems clear.
7. Pinch out the tips after a few weeks to build a bushier, denser plant.
8. Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and avoid wetting the leaves late in the day.

Licorice bush and helichrysum licorice plant in pots

Pots and hanging baskets are the most common home for this trailing plant.

• Use a pot with several drainage holes, and raise it on feet so water cannot pool underneath.
• Combine it with flowering annuals, as the silver foliage lifts purple, pink and blue flowers.
• Choose a container about 30 cm wide for a single plant (indicative — check the label).
• Water when the surface mix dries, and tip out saucers after rain.
• Replace the potting mix every year or two, because old mix compacts and holds too much water.

Helichrysum petiolare silver foliage in garden beds

In the ground, it works as an edging or filler that trails over paths, walls and bed borders.

• Plant it near the front of the bed where it can spill over and soften hard edges.
• Choose a sunny aspect; in deep shade the stems stretch and the silver colour fades.
• In heavy clay, mound the soil and add coarse material to lift the root zone.
• Let each plant spread and trim it back after growth flushes, since it can swamp small neighbours.
• Pair with other low-water plants so one watering schedule suits the whole bed.

Licorice plant flower: what to expect

Licorice flower heads are small, cream to pale yellow, and many gardeners prefer the foliage.

• Flowers usually appear in the warmer months, though timing varies with climate and plant age (indicative).
• Trim off spent flower heads if you want the plant to put its energy into silver foliage.
• Cut back leggy stems after flowering to encourage fresh, compact growth.
• Do not eat any part of the plant; this is not the culinary liquorice, and you must positively identify any plant before eating it.
• If a pet chews the plant, contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline for advice.

Liquorice plant Australia: Sydney conditions

Some nurseries spell it liquorice plant, so look for the botanical name Helichrysum petiolare on the label.

• Humid summers can cause fungal leaf spots, so give plants room and good airflow.
• Coastal gardens suit it well because it handles bright light and sea breezes in moderation.
• In frost-prone western suburbs, grow it in pots you can move under cover.
• Mulch lightly in spring to hold moisture without keeping stems damp.
• Replace old, woody plants every few years, because they lose their silver colour and shape.

Common mistakes with silver foliage plants

• Overwatering or planting in heavy clay, which causes root and stem rot and blackened leaves.
• Planting in too much shade, which leaves stems stretched and the silver colour dull.
• Burying the crown or piling mulch against the stems, which holds moisture around the base.
• Skipping regular trimming, so plants turn leggy and woody in the centre.
• Using fertiliser or sprays contrary to the product label, which can scorch soft growth.
• Watering the leaves in the evening, which encourages fungal spots in humid weather.

When to call a gardener for licorice plant beds

• You have a large border to clear, replant and mulch, and want it done in one visit.
• The beds are overgrown with weeds; paid weed spraying requires a licensed applicator, so check licences when you hire.
• Plants are dying back from root rot, and you need the drainage and soil fixed.
• You have large trees nearby that need pruning, which is a job for a qualified arborist and may need council approval.
• You want a regular fortnightly visit to keep edges trimmed and beds mulched.
• Insects or pests are damaging the plants, so book a licensed pest controller rather than guessing at treatments.

Licorice plant care: cost in Sydney

These Sydney prices include GST and apply to October 2026.

Job	Low	Typical	High
Gardener, per hour	$52	$75	$115
Weed removal, per hour	$57	$75	$105
Fortnightly maintenance visit, medium lawn	$60	$75	$120
Garden clean-up, half day	$170	$290	$460
Garden clean-up, full day	$320	$520	$805

FAQ: licorice plant questions

Is licorice plant the same as licorice bush?

Yes, licorice bush and licorice plant are common names for Helichrysum petiolare. Nurseries also list it as helichrysum licorice plant or liquorice plant, so check the botanical name on the label when you shop.

Does licorice plant flower?

It does produce small cream flower heads, usually in the warmer months. Most gardeners value the silver foliage more, so you can trim the flowers to keep the plant neat and compact.

How much sun does licorice plant need?

Full sun gives the best silver colour and compact growth. In deep shade the stems stretch and the foliage greens. In hot western Sydney, light afternoon shade helps in summer, provided the soil still drains well.

Can licorice plant grow in a Sydney pot?

Yes. Use a pot with good drainage and quality potting mix, and water only when the top soil dries. Pinch out tips regularly, and move the pot under cover on frosty nights in cooler suburbs.

Getting help with licorice plant beds in Sydney

If you want silver edging that stays neat, we can clear, replant, mulch and trim your beds regularly. Read our types of flower guide for more plant ideas, or book garden maintenance in Sydney for an itemised quote.

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