Helichrysum Petiolare

Licorice Plant / Silver Bush Everlasting Flower / Trailing Dusty Miller / Kooigoed / Imphepho

Botanical Name: Helichrysum petiolare
Family: Asteraceae
Origin: South Africa
Plant Type: Evergreen trailing subshrub/groundcover

Overview

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a standout silver-foliage groundcover for South Australian gardens. Its softly felted, cascading leaves bring instant brightness and texture, while small summer flowers add a gentle accent. Ideal for waterwise, coastal and Mediterranean climates, and brilliant as a “spiller” in pots, walls and bank plantings.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.3–0.6 m H × 0.6–1.5 m W (spreading/cascading)
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Velvety, silver-grey/pewter leaves; aromatic when brushed; trailing, mounding habit
• Flowers: Small cream–pale yellow clusters late spring–summer; usually trimmed to keep foliage focus
  
• Seasonal Interest: Year-round silvery structure; peak brightness in the warmer months
• Wildlife Value: Nectar/pollen on summer blooms can attract bees and small pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant (once established), heat-tolerant, wind-tolerant, second-line coastal-tolerant; light frost (protect from hard frost)
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 3–5 plants per m²; Edging/spillers: 40–60 cm apart
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic to cats and dogs; not edible (discourage chewing)

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun to part shade (best silver in full sun)
• Soil: Free-draining sandy/loam soils; avoid waterlogging and heavy, unamended clay
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 10–14 days in summer; little to none in winter if natural rainfall
• Maintenance: Trim after flowering or lightly through warm months to keep dense and cascading; mulch in spring; balanced slow-release feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 5–8+ years in well-drained sites
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral; copes with mildly alkaline sands if free-draining

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Silver “spiller” for pots, hanging baskets, retaining walls and raised beds
• Waterwise, low-care groundcover to brighten dark foliage and contrast with burgundy, purple or charcoal plants
• Coastal and courtyard gardens where glare-proof, reflective foliage lifts patios and paths

Why You Will Love It

Instant brightness, zero fuss. This drought-smart, silver foliage hero softens hard edges, spills beautifully from containers, and pairs with almost any plant palette. If you want long-lasting colour and texture with minimal maintenance, Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) is a must-have.