Rubber rabbit brush
Ericameria nauseosa · Asteraceae
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around rubber rabbit brush and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Creosote bush
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Autumn (September to November)
- Adult size
- 1 to 2 m in height and width
- Hardiness
- Low hardiness (moderate to mild frosts)
- Origin
- Deserts of the southwestern United States (Nevada, California, Utah)
Care
Sunlight
Creosote bush demands full to very sunny exposure to thrive. It tolerates intense heat and direct summer sunlight extremely well. Avoid shaded or part-shade areas, which would slow down its growth and flowering.
Soil
This shrub adapts to poor, dry, and well-drained soils, characteristic of desert environments. It tolerates alkaline and sandy soils. Soil that is too rich or too moist can promote excessive growth at the expense of flowering. Excellent drainage is essential.
Watering
Once established, creosote bush is very water-efficient and requires practically no watering. During the first year, water moderately in summer to encourage rooting, then gradually stop. In very dry climates, minimal watering may be necessary only during prolonged extreme drought.
Pruning and shaping
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a compact and airy form. Remove dead or tangled branches. Severe pruning is rarely necessary; favor a gentle approach to respect its natural habit. Avoid late-season pruning, which could damage new growth.
Fertilizer
Creosote bush requires practically no fertilizer, as it is adapted to poor soils. A very modest application of balanced fertilizer in spring may suffice if the soil is particularly depleted. Excess nitrogen promotes soft stems at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
This shrub is very robust and seldom affected by diseases in dry climates. Excessive humidity promotes root rot or fungal issues: prioritize good drainage. No major pests typically affect it in the arid regions suitable for its cultivation.
Did you know?
Creosote bush gets its name from volatile chemical compounds: its leaves and stems contain essential oils that release a pungent and distinctive odor, particularly after rain. It plays a major ecological role in North American desert ecosystems, often forming vast stands that create spectacular yellow blankets during its autumn flowering.
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.