PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerant of coastal wind and prolonged dry spells
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply but infrequently to avoid waterlogged roots
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; withstands hot, dry Mediterranean summers without supplemental cooling
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, linear to lanceolate, glossy dark green, aromatic when crushed
- Flower: Small, creamy-white, fragrant, clustered in axillary panicles
- Stem: Slender, grayish-brown stems with dense branching habit
Care Guide
Watering
Water every 7–10 days during establishment; reduce to natural rainfall once mature
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at new growth onset. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent leggy growth
Eggshell powder top-dressing：Crush baked eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle 1–2 tbsp around the shrub base, avoiding direct stem contact to prevent fungal growthPruning
- Trim lightly immediately after flowering to maintain a rounded, compact shape
- Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches in early spring to improve airflow
- Thin dense inner growth to allow light penetration and reduce pest risk
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: No known toxicity to cats
Humans: No known toxic effects on humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: N/A
Usage: Ornamental hedge or specimen shrub; aromatic foliage for sensory gardens
