Hoary Bowlesia (Bowlesia incana)

Hoary Bowlesia

Bowlesia incana

Soft, low-growing ground cover with delicate white blooms. Annual or short-lived perennial herb; common name: Hoary Bowlesia.

Partial sun
2–3/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Partial sun to full shade; tolerates dappled garden light and avoids harsh midday sun exposure
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Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid allowing the root zone to dry out completely
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Temperature Thrives in cool to temperate conditions; avoid extreme heat above 28°C which may cause wilting
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Round to kidney-shaped, softly hairy, shallowly lobed margins
  • Flower: Tiny white umbels, clustered in leaf axils
  • Stem: Trailing, branching, covered in fine grayish hairs
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Care Guide

Watering

Maintain even soil moisture during active growing season

Fertilization

Diluted balanced feed every 2 weeks. Use diluted, low-strength feed to avoid over-fertilization burn

Eggshell powder topdress:Crush clean, dried eggshells into a fine powder and sprinkle a thin layer on soil surface; avoid direct contact with foliage to prevent fungal growth
Pruning
  • Trim back spent flower heads to encourage prolonged blooming
  • Remove dead or yellowing foliage to maintain tidy growth
  • Thin overcrowded patches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: No listed toxicity to cats

Humans: No known toxicity to humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ground cover, rock garden edging, container filler