Baccharis pilularis
Baccharis pilularis · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around baccharis pilularis and prepare for winter.
ID card
- English name
- Baccharis, Coyote Brush
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- September to November
- Adult size
- 1.5 to 2.5 m tall × 2 to 3 m wide
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Down to −5 to −8 °C depending on varieties
- Origin
- California and coastal areas of the North American Pacific
Care
Sunlight
Plant your Baccharis in full sun for optimal growth and abundant flowering. It also tolerates partial shade, but prefers a minimum of 6 hours of direct light daily. Its wind resistance, particularly to salt spray, makes it an excellent choice for exposed coastal areas.
Soil and drainage
This shrub adapts to most soils, even poor or sandy ones. It prefers well-draining soil and tolerates dry conditions perfectly once established. Avoid compacted or regularly waterlogged soils that could cause root rot.
Watering
Water regularly during the first year after planting to encourage root establishment. Once established, Baccharis is very drought-tolerant and requires little additional irrigation, even in summer. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering (late November) to maintain a compact shape and encourage dense branching. You can also perform rejuvenation pruning in spring if the shrub becomes too dense. No drastic pruning is necessary; Baccharis grows naturally in a balanced manner.
Fertilization
Baccharis is not demanding. An annual application of well-decomposed compost in spring is more than sufficient. Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilizers, which would promote lush foliage at the expense of flowering.
Pests and diseases
This is a very hardy plant, rarely affected by major pests in ornamental cultivation. Occasionally watch for aphids or spider mites in very dry conditions. Good air circulation and adequate drainage prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
Baccharis pilularis is highly valued in California for creating windbreaks and stabilizing coastal slopes thanks to its deep root system. Its name refers to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, although the plant has no connection to the grape vine. This shrub flowers late in autumn, making it a precious source of nectar for pollinating insects at season's end.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SunflowerHelianthus annuus
- YarrowAchillea millefolium
- Ox-eye daisyLeucanthemum vulgare
- SneezewortAchillea ptarmica
- Canadian goldenrodSolidago canadensis
- WormwoodArtemisia absinthium
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.