PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun exposure required for compact growth and abundant flowering; tolerates reflected summer heat
Watering
Drought-tolerant once established; water deeply and infrequently to avoid root rot
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates hot dry summer conditions; avoid prolonged wet cold in winter
Characteristics
- Leaf: Silvery-gray, finely dissected needle-like foliage with aromatic scent when crushed
- Flower: Small button-like yellow composite flowers clustered at stem tips
- Stem: Woody branching stems forming tight, compact mounds
Care Guide
Watering
Water every 7–10 days during active growth; allow soil to dry completely between waterings
Fertilization
Light low-nitrogen feed once in early spring. Over-fertilization causes leggy growth and reduced foliage silvering
Eggshell powder topdress：Crush dried eggshells into fine powder; sprinkle lightly on soil surface to boost calcium levels and deter slugs without adding excess nitrogenPruning
- Shear lightly after flowering to maintain compact mounding form and encourage new foliage growth
- Remove dead or woody stems in early spring to promote fresh, dense growth
- Trim leggy branches in mid-spring to prevent sparse, open mounds
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA-verified non-toxic to cats; no adverse effects expected from ingestion or contact
Humans: No known toxicity to humans when handled or ingested in small amounts
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Used as edging in traditional Mediterranean gardens for its silvery contrast and pest-repellent scent
Usage: Ornamental edging plant; aromatic foliage repels some common garden pests like aphids
