Thiswarm-zone, drought-tolerant shrubthrives in a sunny spot with well-draining soil.

A partial shade position might be appreciated when the afternoon sun is particularly intense.

This makes them an ideal choice forwater-wise landscapes.

Close up of the silvery-green, velevety foliage of the licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare)

skymoon13 / Getty Images

This might mean watering around every two to three weeks during those hot summer months.

Take care not to overwatersoggy soils are a no-no and a common killer.

Temperature and Humidity

Licorice plants are lovers of dry heat.

Licorice plant with small round leaves in container closeup

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Mulching over winter helps to protect these plants from cold snaps, especially while they are establishing.

Fertilizer

Licorice plants tolerate poor soils and dont need regular fertilization to thrive.

Pruning

Lightly prune your licorice plant in early spring when the stems sprawl untidily.

Licorice plant stem with small round leaves in sunlight closeup

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

This helps keep the plant neat and compact.

Dont cut the stems back too hard; otherwise, they might not regrow.

Some enthusiasts remove the insignificant flowers as they appear to focus the plants energy on maintaining the striking foliage.

Licorice plant stems with round velvety leaves in container over small rocks

The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova

Harden off the seedlings before transplanting them to their outdoor position when any danger of frost has passed.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Licorice plants aredeer-resistant shrubs, which is a bonus.

Ensuring the soil is well-draining and that you dont overwater is key to thriving licorice plants.

Keep the plant in a full sun position to keep this striking feature looking its best.

Licorice plants are tender perennials that will return every year if grown in a warm climate year-round.

Licorice plants are short-lived tender perennials.

Pruning licorice plants helps to keep these shrubs from becoming straggly and losing their compact, mounding shape.

Landscape Plants Rated By Deer Resistance.

Rutgers New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station.