English Lavender vs Licorice Plant Plant Comparison
Compare these two plants side by side — care needs, key differences, and which is right for your home.
English Lavender
Lavandula angustifolia
English Lavender is a perennial shrub known for its fragrant flowers and aromatic foliage. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet. The plant features narrow, gray-green leaves and produces spikes of purple flowers in the summer. It is primarily an outdoor plant, thriving in sunny, well-drained locations. People grow it for its ornamental value, fragrance, and use in aromatherapy and culinary applications. While it can be attempted indoors, it requires very specific conditions to thrive.
Licorice Plant
Glycyrrhiza glabra
Glycyrrhiza glabra, commonly known as licorice, is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows to about 1 meter (3 feet) tall. It features pinnate leaves and pea-like flowers, typically purple to pale blue. The plant is primarily cultivated for its rhizomes and roots, which contain glycyrrhizin, a compound responsible for its characteristic sweet flavor. Licorice is mainly grown outdoors in well-drained soil and full sun. While it can be attempted indoors, it's challenging to replicate its ideal growing conditions, and it may not thrive.
Quick Plant Comparison
| Feature | English Lavender | Licorice Plant |
|---|---|---|
| Light | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily) |
| Watering | Every 1-2 weeks, depending on environmental conditions and soil drainage. | Every 5-7 days during the growing season, less frequently in winter. |
| Humidity | 30-50% | 40-60% |
| Temperature | 18-24°C | 15-27°C |
| Care Level | Expert | Expert |
| Growth Rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Max Height | 0.3-0.9 meters (indoors, likely smaller and less robust) | 0.5-1 meter (indoors, likely smaller) |
| Pet Safety | ❌ Toxic To Pets | ❌ Toxic To Pets |
| Soil | Well-draining, sandy or gravelly soil with a slightly alkaline pH (6.5-8.0) | Well-drained loamy soil |
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Weekly Maintenance | 30 minutes weekly | 30 minutes weekly (primarily for watering, weeding, and pest control). |
🔬 Botanical Information — Comparing These Plants
English Lavender
| Scientific Name | Lavandula angustifolia |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Native To | Mediterranean region |
| Also Known As | English Lavender, True Lavender, Common Lavender |
| Leaves | The leaves of English Lavender are narrow, linear, and gray-green in color. They are approximately 1-2 inches long and have a slightly fuzzy texture. The leaves are highly aromatic when crushed. |
| Flowers | English Lavender rarely flowers indoors. Outdoors, it produces spikes of fragrant, purple flowers in the summer. The flowers are small and tubular, arranged in dense clusters along the stem. |
Licorice Plant
| Scientific Name | Glycyrrhiza glabra |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Native To | Southern Europe and parts of Asia |
| Also Known As | Licorice, Liquorice |
| Leaves | The leaves are pinnately compound, typically consisting of 9-17 leaflets. Each leaflet is oval to lance-shaped, with a smooth margin and a slightly sticky texture. The leaves are generally green in color. |
| Flowers | Licorice produces pea-like flowers that are typically purple to pale blue. Flowering usually occurs in the summer months. It is unlikely to flower indoors due to insufficient light. |
📏 Size & Growth — Plant Comparison
English Lavender
Licorice Plant
🌱 Propagation — Comparing Plant Growth
English Lavender
Methods: Stem cuttings, Seed, Layering
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: Take stem cuttings in spring or early summer. Use rooting hormone and provide adequate moisture. Seeds can be sown in spring, but germination can be slow and inconsistent.
Licorice Plant
Methods: Seed, Rhizome division, Root cuttings
Difficulty: Moderate
Tips: For rhizome division, separate rhizomes in early spring and plant them in well-drained soil. Root cuttings should be taken in late fall or early winter and planted horizontally.
✨ Benefits & Features — Comparing Plant Value
English Lavender
English Lavender is prized for its strong, sweet fragrance and classic purple flowers. It is more cold-hardy than some other lavender species. Its essential oil is widely used in aromatherapy for its calming properties.
- ✓ Aromatic fragrance promotes relaxation and reduces stress
- ✓ Beautiful purple flowers enhance garden aesthetics
- ✓ Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies
- ✓ Can be used in culinary applications to flavor dishes
- ✓ Dried flowers can be used in potpourri and sachets.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
Licorice Plant
The roots of Glycyrrhiza glabra contain glycyrrhizin, a compound that is significantly sweeter than sugar. This plant has a long history of use in both culinary and traditional medicine.
- ✓ Provides a unique flavoring agent for culinary uses.
- ✓ Has potential medicinal properties (consult a healthcare professional).
- ✓ Adds visual interest to a garden with its foliage and flowers.
- ✓ Can be a rewarding challenge for experienced gardeners.
- ✓ Supports biodiversity in a garden ecosystem.
- ⚠️ Toxic to pets
📅 Maintenance Schedule — Plant Care Comparison
English Lavender
Licorice Plant
🌞 Light Requirements
English Lavender
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
Licorice Plant
Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily)
Low light tolerant: ❌ No
💧 Watering Needs
English Lavender
Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering, as lavender is susceptible to root rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and dry, brittle leaves.
Licorice Plant
Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves and a musty smell. Underwatering is indicated by wilting and dry, crispy leaves.
🌡️ Temperature & Humidity
English Lavender
Temperature: 18-24°C
Humidity: 30-50%
Licorice Plant
Temperature: 15-27°C
Humidity: 40-60%
🤔 Which Plant Is Right For You?
English Lavender
Lavandula angustifoliaExperienced gardeners who can provide the specific environmental conditions required for successful growth, especially outdoors.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You want a fragrant plant for your garden
- You enjoy using lavender in aromatherapy or cooking
- You have a sunny, well-drained outdoor space
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a rewarding challenge
- You appreciate the classic beauty of English Lavender.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have limited sunlight indoors
- You are prone to overwatering plants
- You have pets that might ingest the plant
- You are a beginner gardener
- You don't have time for regular pruning and maintenance.
Licorice Plant
Glycyrrhiza glabraExperienced gardeners who want to grow licorice outdoors for its roots, understanding its toxicity to pets.
✅ Choose This Plant If...
- You have a sunny outdoor garden space.
- You are interested in harvesting licorice root for culinary or medicinal purposes.
- You are an experienced gardener looking for a unique plant to grow.
- You understand the plant's toxicity to pets and can keep it away from them.
- You are prepared to provide the specific care this plant needs to thrive.
❌ Skip This Plant If...
- You have pets that might ingest the plant.
- You lack a sunny outdoor space.
- You are a beginner gardener.
- You are looking for a low-maintenance indoor plant.
- You are not prepared to manage the plant's potential for rhizomatous spread.
🎯 Quick Verdict
⚡ Key Differences Between These Plants
English Lavender needs full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day), while Licorice Plant prefers full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily).
💡 Pro Tips For Comparing These Plants
English Lavender Care Tips
English Lavender is primarily an outdoor plant and requires full sun and well-drained soil. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its high light requirements. Supplemental lighting is often necessary. Overwatering is a common problem indoors. Regular pruning is essential to maintain shape and promote flowering.
- Provide at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
- Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot
- Water thoroughly but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings
- Prune regularly to maintain shape and promote flowering
- Avoid over-fertilizing, as lavender prefers lean soil.
Licorice Plant Care Tips
Licorice is primarily an outdoor plant and requires full sun and well-drained soil. Growing it indoors is challenging due to its high light requirements and potential for rhizomatous spread. It also poses a toxicity risk to pets. Indoor cultivation requires careful attention to light, watering, and potential toxicity.
- Provide well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Ensure at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Monitor for pests like aphids and spider mites.
- Harvest licorice roots in the fall after 3-4 years of growth.
- Be mindful of its potential for rhizomatous spread and contain it if necessary.
⚠️ Common Problems & Solutions — Plant Care Comparison
English Lavender
Licorice Plant
❓ Frequently Asked Questions — Comparing These Plants
English Lavender
What are the light requirements for English Lavender?
English Lavender requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive and produce abundant blooms. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth, reduced flowering, and weaker plants. When grown indoors, place Lavender near a south-facing window where it can receive the most intense sunlight. If natural light is limited, supplement with grow lights to ensure adequate illumination. Rotate the plant regularly to ensure even exposure to light on all sides. In hot climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial to prevent scorching. Monitor the plant for signs of light stress, such as pale leaves or elongated stems, and adjust its placement accordingly.
How do I care for English Lavender?
English Lavender thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Overwatering is a common cause of root rot. Fertilize sparingly, using a balanced fertilizer in the spring. Prune annually after flowering to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. Provide good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. Protect from frost in colder climates. Choose a pot with drainage holes and use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for Mediterranean plants. Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage further blooming. Monitor for pests such as aphids or spider mites and treat accordingly. Maintain moderate humidity levels. Provide 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering.
How do I propagate English Lavender?
Lavender can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. For stem cuttings, take 4-6 inch cuttings from new growth in the spring or summer. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cuttings in a well-draining potting mix and keep them moist until rooted. Rooting typically takes 4-6 weeks. For division, carefully dig up the plant in the spring or fall and divide the root ball into smaller sections. Each section should have healthy roots and foliage. Replant the divisions in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Ensure the new plants receive adequate sunlight and protection from frost. Lavender can also be propagated from seed, but it is a slower and less reliable method.
Licorice Plant
What are the light requirements for Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light can lead to leggy growth and faded foliage color. An east-facing window is often ideal, providing gentle morning sun. A south- or west-facing window can also work, but be sure to filter the light with sheer curtains or blinds, especially during the hottest part of the day.
How do I care for Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant thrives in well-draining soil. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain. Provide bright, indirect light for optimal growth, though it can tolerate some direct sun, especially in the morning. These plants prefer moderate temperatures, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Fertilize lightly every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
How do I propagate Licorice Plant?
Licorice Plant is easily propagated through stem cuttings and layering. For stem cuttings, take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy stem, removing the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist, well-draining potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag or humidity dome to maintain moisture. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots develop, usually within 2-4 weeks.
Last updated: May 2, 2026 — Plant care data reviewed and verified by our editorial team.