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Brittlebush

Encelia farinosa · Asteraceae

The gardener's calendar

The right move for September

In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around brittlebush and prepare for winter.

JFMAMJJASOND Planting

ID card

Foliage
Evergreen, gray-white and powdery
Flowering
Spring to summer (April-July)
Mature size
1 to 1.5 m tall, 1 to 1.2 m wide
Growth
Fast
Hardiness
Zones 9-11 (frost-sensitive below -3°C)
Origin
Deserts of California and Sonora (United States, Mexico)
Soil type
Well-draining, gravelly or sandy, poor to moderately fertile

Care

Watering

This plant is very drought-tolerant once established. Water moderately during planting, then gradually reduce frequency. During prolonged dry periods, occasional watering is sufficient. Avoid standing water which causes root rot.

Light exposure

Full sun exposure is essential for optimal flowering and compact form. Tolerates windy and arid locations. Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil and drainage

Choose very well-draining, gravelly or sandy soil. Improve drainage by adding gravel or coarse sand if your soil is heavy. This plant fears standing moisture more than poor soil fertility.

Pruning and cleanup

Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a bushy, dense form. Remove dead or damaged branches in spring. Drastic pruning in late winter rejuvenates a plant that has become too woody.

Fertilizer

A frugal plant requiring only moderate feeding. Diluted balanced fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen which promotes leaf growth at the expense of flowering.

Diseases and pests

Very resistant in dry, well-draining climates. Root rot is the main risk with excessive watering or standing water. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions—rinse foliage preventatively.

Did you know?

Encelia farinosa, nicknamed 'Brittle bush', owes its scientific name 'farinosa' to the fine white powder coating its foliage, a remarkable adaptation to desert sun that reflects heat and reduces evaporation. This plant is a symbol of South American desert flora and a favorite food of wild goats in Sonora.

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.

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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.