PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Requires full sun exposure; tolerates coastal salt spray and reflected sunlight
Watering
Highly drought-tolerant; water only during prolonged dry spells, avoid overwatering
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates high summer temperatures up to 35°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Silvery-grey, oblong to lanceolate leaves with entire margins, covered in fine pubescent hairs for salt tolerance
- Flower: Inconspicuous greenish-yellow dioecious flowers in axillary clusters
- Stem: Woody, branching stems with silvery, fuzzy bark
Care Guide
Watering
Water sparingly only when top 10 cm of soil is completely dry
Fertilization
Optional diluted balanced feed once every 2 months. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive, weak foliage growth
Banana peel compost tea：Use fully composted banana peels; dilute 1:20 for root drench to avoid pest infestations from raw organic matterPruning
- Trim overgrown branches in late winter to maintain a rounded, compact shape
- Remove dead or damaged stems to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Lightly shear after flowering to encourage dense, new silvery foliage growth
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No recorded toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans; leaves are edible when cooked
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes resilience in harsh coastal environments; used in traditional Mediterranean cuisine for its edible leaves
Usage: Edible leafy green, coastal erosion control, ornamental xeriscaping shrub
