Southern Africa: South Africa - Eastern Cape, - Western Cape
San Marcos Growers:
"A climbing scrambling shrub that grows unsupported to 2 feet tall and spreads to 6 feet wide but with some support can climb higher. It has attractive foliage of an unusual bright chartreuse to yellow color that is covered with a velvety down. The species has flowers in the summer... Helichrysum petiolare comes from drier locations of the Cape of South Africa from Grahamstown to the south-western Cape. In the San Francisco Bay area this species has done exceeding well and, in fact it has done too well, displacing native plants in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and other sensitive coastal habitats. For this reason Helichrysum petiolare is listed in this region as "invasive" and gardeners are asked not to plant it in this region by the California Invasive Plant Council. We have not seen it documented that the cultivar 'Limelight' has presented these same problems. "
San Marcos Growers:
"Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight' (Limelight Licorice Plant) - A climbing scrambling shrub that grows unsupported to 2 feet tall and spreads to 6 feet wide but with some support can climb higher. It has attractive foliage of an unusual bright chartreuse to yellow color that is covered with a velvety down. The species has flowers in the summer but this cultivar seems to rarely flower. Plant in cool full sun to light shade with regular to occasional to infrequent irrigation along the coast. The foliage color, smaller size and lack of flowers differentiates this selection from the species. It is a great plant for brightening up dark places and was winner of the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit in 1992. Helichrysum petiolare comes from drier locations of the Cape of South Africa from Grahamstown to the south-western Cape. In the San Francisco Bay area this species has done exceeding well and, in fact it has done too well, displacing native plants in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and other sensitive coastal habitats. For this reason Helichrysum petiolare is listed in this region as "invasive" and gardeners are asked not to plant it in this region by the California Invasive Plant Council. We have not seen it documented that the cultivar 'Limelight' has presented these same problems. The specific epithet is from the Latin word 'petiolus' meaning "small foot" in reference to the petiole, or leaf attachment stem, that this species has. This description is based on research and observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We also try to incorporate comments received from others and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Helichrysum petiolare 'Limelight'."