Icicles Silver Licorice Plant

‘Icicles’ licorice plant is grown for long, intensely silver foliage that adds light color and fine texture to beds and containers. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/helichrysum/icicles-licorice-plant-helichrysum-thianschanicum) identifies the selection as Helichrysum thianschanicum ‘Icicles’; it is commonly sold as an annual, while other growers describe it as frost hardy or perennial in suitable climates. ## Garden Use Use the upright, compact plant as a silver filler in hanging baskets, window boxes, containers, borders, or small gardens. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/helichrysum/icicles-licorice-plant-helichrysum-thianschanicum) gives a mature size of 8–16 inches tall and 18–20 inches wide; Plant Growers Australia lists 40 cm in both directions and Kernock gives 30 cm, so leave room for a spread near 20 inches. The [Chicago Botanic Garden](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/helichrysum-thianschanicum-icicles-icicles-licorice-plant) reports yellow flowers from May through August and butterfly visits, though the foliage is the main display. ## Growing Conditions Choose sun to part sun and well-drained soil. [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/helichrysum/icicles-licorice-plant-helichrysum-thianschanicum) marks the plant drought and heat tolerant, while [Plant Growers Australia](https://pga.com.au/Plants/Plant.cshtml?plant_id=1222) recommends low water after establishment and occasional long soaks during extended heat. Avoid saturated containers or heavy, poorly drained beds, especially in winter. [Plant Growers Australia](https://pga.com.au/Plants/Plant.cshtml?plant_id=1222) describes its silver foliage as an all-year feature, and [Proven Winners](https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/helichrysum/icicles-licorice-plant-helichrysum-thianschanicum) notes fall interest. Winter hardiness descriptions vary by source, so survival outdoors depends on local conditions. ## Maintenance Trim to shape in early spring; [Plant Growers Australia](https://pga.com.au/Plants/Plant.cshtml?plant_id=1222) recommends this for form or low edging, and Proven Winners advises pinching at planting or as needed. Keep the root zone draining freely during cold weather.