Licorice sweet flag is grown as much for its scent as for its look. When you brush past the narrow, arching leaves, they release a clear licorice-like aroma—sweet, warm, and unmistakable. The leaves form tidy fans 6–12 inches tall and stay attractive through much of the year.
This plant has long been used in Asian cooking and traditional teas, valued for both its flavor and its calming presence. While its flowers are small and easy to miss, its foliage more than makes up for it—especially when planted near paths, ponds, or patios where you can enjoy its scent.
Licorice sweet flag loves moisture. It’s happiest in damp soil, along pond edges, in rain gardens, or even in shallow water. It also grows well in containers as long as the soil never dries out.
WHY GARDENERS LOVE IT
- Leaves smell strongly of licorice
- Useful for tea and traditional cooking
- Perfect for wet or boggy areas
- Tidy, clumping habit
- Great in containers
- Semi-evergreen foliage
HOW IT GROWS
- Plant type: Evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial
- Sun: Full sun to part shade (light shade in hottest climates)
- Soil: Moist to wet soil, even boggy
- Water: Needs consistent moisture
- Hardiness: Zones 5–10
- Growth habit: Clumping
This plant does not like dry soil. If it dries out, it quickly shows stress.
PLANTING TIPS
- Plant near water or where soil stays damp
- In containers, never let soil dry out
- Add organic matter to help hold moisture
- Light shade helps in very hot climates
CARE MADE EASY
- Keep soil consistently moist
- Trim old or damaged leaves in spring
- Divide clumps if they outgrow their space
- Mulch to help retain moisture
SIZE & BLOOM
- Height × Width: ~1½ ft. × 1 ft.
- Foliage: Slender, arching, semi-evergreen
- Flower: Small and inconspicuous
- Fragrance: Strong licorice scent
HARVESTING & USE
- Harvest leaves as needed
- Use fresh or dried for tea
- Leaves add flavor to traditional dishes
- Best flavor comes from mature leaves
HOW TO KNOW IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
Choose Licorice sweet flag if you:
- Have moist or wet garden areas
- Love fragrant foliage
- Enjoy tea herbs and edible plants
- Grow near ponds or water features
