PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; highly tolerant of coastal salt spray and windy conditions
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply during prolonged dry spells, avoid waterlogged soil
Temperature
Hardy to USDA zones 5–9; tolerates light frost and extreme summer heat
Characteristics
- Leaf: Simple obovate to spatulate leaves with toothed margins; silvery-green upper surface, pale fuzzy underside
- Flower: Dioecious small creamy-white flower heads on terminal panicles; male and female flowers grow on separate plants
- Stem/Bark: Slender woody stems with grayish-brown bark; dense, compact branching habit
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days if natural rainfall is less than 2.5 cm weekly
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once in early spring. Over-fertilization may reduce drought tolerance
Composted coffee grounds：Mix 1 part fully composted coffee grounds with 3 parts soil or dilute as a 1:30 tea for root drenching; avoid raw grounds to prevent pH imbalancePruning
- Prune in late winter to shape the shrub and remove dead or damaged branches
- Thin dense inner growth to improve airflow and reduce pest risk
- Cut back overgrown stems to maintain desired size and compact form
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: Non-toxic to cats per ASPCA guidelines
Humans: No documented toxicity to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Coastal erosion control, ornamental xeriscape shrub, wildlife shelter for pollinators
