For a plant that feels as soft as velvet and glows in the afternoon light, Licorice Plant is a true delight. Also known as Kooigoed or Imphepho, this hardy, fast-growing evergreen shrub forms a dense, sprawling mound of vigorous, loosely branched stems clothed in rounded, heart-shaped leaves of the most beautiful silvery-grey, each covered in soft, woolly hairs. When brushed, the leaves release a subtle, sweet fragrance faintly reminiscent of liquorice or honey. In summer (December to January), small, honey-scented, creamy-white to yellow flower heads appear, attracting pollinators.
Proudly native to South Africa (including the Western Cape from the Cederberg to Jonkershoek), Licorice Plant is perfectly at home in local gardens. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. It’s exceptionally drought-tolerant once established, thanks to its silvery hairs, which reflect heat and reduce water loss. It handles coastal and windy conditions with ease and is resistant to light frost. Its vigorous, trailing habit, reaching 0.5–1m tall and spreading up to 1.5m wide or more, makes it perfect for hanging baskets, containers, cascading over retaining walls, or as fast-growing groundcover.
Key Features:
- Dense, silvery-grey, rounded leaves covered in soft down for luminous texture
- Aromatic foliage releases a subtle, sweet liquorice or honey scent when brushed
- A proud Cape native who’s water-wise once established
- Traditional uses: Kooigoed for mattresses, Imphepho as incense
Gardening Note: Plant in well-drained soil in full sun to semi-shade—sunny spots give the best silver colour and compact growth. Water regularly until established; mature plants are highly drought-tolerant. Prune back fairly hard in late winter or early spring to maintain a tidy shape and encourage fresh growth. In its native South African range, it’s well-behaved and cherished.
