PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates dry, sunny conditions and performs best in unobstructed sunlight
Watering
Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot in poorly drained media
Temperature
Hardy to light frost; prefers warm, dry conditions and requires protection from prolonged freezing temperatures
Characteristics
- Leaf: Silvery-gray, finely divided, aromatic when crushed
- Flower: Small, yellowish-white, clustered in terminal panicles
- Stem: Woody at base, covered in fine silvery hairs
Care Guide
Watering
Water when the top 5 cm of soil is fully dry; reduce watering during periods of heavy rainfall
Fertilization
Diluted low-nitrogen fertilizer application once every 2 months. Over-fertilization can lead to lush, weak growth that is more susceptible to pest infestations
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels, dilute at a 1:20 ratio with water for root drenching; avoid applying raw peels to prevent fruit fly infestationsPruning
- Prune back by 50% in early spring to encourage compact, bushy new growth
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased stems to improve airflow and reduce pest habitat
- Trim spent flower heads after blooming to prevent unwanted self-seeding in managed gardens
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic due to thujone; may cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression
Humans: Contains thujone; large ingestion may cause nausea, dizziness, or stomach pain
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used in traditional Southern African medicine to treat fever, digestive issues, and respiratory complaints
Usage: Medicinal herb, silvery ornamental foliage, natural insect repellent for garden borders
