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which helichrysum is best

If you're wondering which helichrysum is best for your garden, you're not alone. This unique genus offers a range of beautiful foliage plants and groundcovers that bring silver and grey-green tones, soft texture, and drought tolerance to New Zealand gardens. While the best helichrysum for you depends on your personal preference and the site conditions, this guide will help you compare some of the top contenders widely grown and loved across Aotearoa.

helichrysum-petiolare--3

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Helichrysum petiolare, commonly known as the Licorice plant, is a popular, evergreen shrub that is often used as a groundcover. It produces long stems that host small and rounded, grey-silver leaves. The leaves are complemented with cream-coloured flowers in summer as it grows to 50 cm tall and 1.5 m wide. Helichrysum petiolare is commonly included in rock and cottage gardens, used in border plantings, maintained in a container, planted around outdoor living areas such as pools and the like, or mass planted as a groundcover on a bank.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 1.50 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
helichrysum-argyrophyllum-1

Helichrysum argyrophyllum

Helichrysum argyrophyllum is a shrub grown for its attractive foliage and pretty flowers. The grey leaves have a velvet coating which give them a very soft appearance. They are held densely on spreading stems, and are complemented with small, yellow flowers through summer as it grows to about 50 cm tall and 1 m wide. Helichrysum argyrophyllum is commonly used as a groundcover, included in a mixed planting, or grown anywhere the unusualness of this plant can be appreciated. It is well suited to planting around outdoor living areas such as pools and can be mass planted on a bank or the like.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Groundcover Plants
Height: 50 cm
Spread: 1.00 m
Flowering time: Summer
Tolerances: Coastal, Hardy
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Ground covering, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Japanese, Mediterranean, Modern, Rock
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Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

Did you find what you are looking for?

You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Acacia, Aesculus, Castanea, Castanospermum, Curio, Dianella, Gleditsia, Helichrysum, Heterocentron, Lagerstroemia, Osmanthus, Pear, Penstemon, Phlomis, Pieris, Pimelea, Rose, Salvia Sorbus and Streptosolen, or related Categories - Bulb Fertiliser, Flaxes, Pear Trees, Groundcover Plants, Indoor Plants, Chestnut Trees, Perennials, Bush Roses, Evergreen Shrubs Deciduous Trees and Evergreen Trees.

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Choosing the Right Helichrysum for Your Garden

Before deciding which helichrysum is best, consider how you'll use the plant. Helichrysums thrive as groundcovers, fillers, trailing accent plants, and even in containers. Their soft, silver or grey-green foliage makes them particularly attractive in borders, rock gardens, or when paired with vibrant flowering shrubs and perennials.

Top Helichrysum Varieties in New Zealand

Helichrysum argyrophyllum

Helichrysum argyrophyllum is a superb choice if you're looking for a dense, cascading groundcover with striking silver foliage. Its trailing, mat-forming habit makes it perfect for walls, banks, and containers. Tiny yellow button blooms appear in summer, adding a cheerful touch. This variety is also highly drought-tolerant and low-maintenance.

Helichrysum Guacamole

For drama and bold colour, Helichrysum Guacamole stands out. It features larger, lush leaves with a soft silver-green hue and an upright habit, making it ideal for borders and mixed plantings. Its vibrant foliage works well as a contrast plant alongside deep greens and flamboyant blooms.

Helichrysum Silver

If you love the look of classic silver, Helichrysum Silver offers an elegant, shimmering mat of foliage. It’s loved for its neat, compact habit and ability to suppress weeds, making it a favourite for edging pathways or tumbling over retaining walls. Its resilience to coastal conditions makes it a go-to for seaside gardens.

Helichrysum Graeme Patterson

Helichrysum Graeme Patterson is a versatile groundcover and ideal for dry, tricky spots where little else thrives. With its soft, silvery foliage and trailing habit, it spreads easily but remains tidy. It works beautifully in pots, hanging baskets, and as a weed-suppressing layer beneath taller plants.

Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant)

For a soft, textured effect, Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) delivers. Its velvety, silver-hued leaves have a gentle licorice scent and look wonderful spilling over pots or garden beds. Licorice Plant is prized for both its ornamental and aromatic qualities, thriving in full sun to partial shade.

Which Helichrysum Is Best for You?

The answer to "which helichrysum is best" depends on your garden’s needs and aesthetic goals. If you want a ground-hugging silver carpet, Helichrysum argyrophyllum or Helichrysum Silver are excellent picks. For more upright form or unique colour, consider Helichrysum Guacamole. If you need versatility and resilience, Helichrysum Graeme Patterson or the scented Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant) won’t disappoint. With such adaptable and attractive options, there's a helichrysum ready to elevate any New Zealand garden.


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