Actual size and flowering may vary slightly based on season.
Brittlebush
Brittlebush is the Sonoran Desert shrub that turns hillsides gold each spring. It forms a rounded mound of silvery, chalky blue-green leaves, covered with bright yellow daisies in late winter and early spring. It grows fast in full sun and reflected heat, needs very little water once rooted, and feeds bees, birds and butterflies.
Best for: spring color in desert yards, silver foliage contrast, hot spots with reflected heat, and bees, birds and butterflies.
Bright yellow daisies cover the plant in late winter and early spring, usually peaking around early March. Plant several together for a sweep of color.
The chalky, silvery leaves stand out against green plants. They look their best in full sun with little water.
It takes full sun and reflected heat, so it can go near hot walls and driveways. Once rooted, it needs very little water.
Extra water makes large, short-lived plants, so keep it on the dry side. Frost in the mid 20s can damage it, and the branches are brittle.
- Massed planting4 ft apart
- Open planting6 ft apart
Water at least weekly when first planted. Once rooted it needs very little water. Too much water makes big, short-lived plants.
Trim off dried flower stalks in late spring. Do not prune in winter, or you lose spring flowers.
It takes the upper 20s without damage. Colder nights in the mid 20s can burn it back.
Drainage test first. Dig the hole and fill it with water. If water is still sitting in the hole a day later, you likely hit caliche, clay or hard soil, so fix the drainage before planting. If it drains very fast, the soil is sandy. Standing water around roots is a common reason new plants fail.
Weed cloth. Cut it away from the planting hole and where the roots will spread. Remove any plastic sheeting completely, since it keeps water and air out of the soil.
Rock or decomposed granite with no soil underneath. Bring in soil close in texture to your native soil, mix it with the soil below, and build up enough depth for roots before planting.
If you can break through. Use a breaker bar, pick, or jackhammer. Dig through the caliche and break out the solid chunks. Backfill with the soil you dug out, with no compost or manure in the hole. Confirm drainage before planting.
If you cannot break through. Dig narrow holes through the hard layer beside the root ball, not under it, and refill them with the same soil, not gravel. If it still will not drain, plant on a low mound of the same soil.
Root ball. Check the outside edges for any roots circling around. Loosen or cut those so they grow outward. Do not break up the center of the root ball.
Depth. The top of the root ball should sit at or just slightly above the surrounding soil level. Planting too deep can lead to rot and kill the plant.
Drip emitters. At planting, put the emitters on the root ball, on different sides of the plant. After about 2 months, move them to the outer edge of the root ball. Over the first year, add emitters farther out toward the edge of the branches as roots grow. Once a plant is rooted, never water only at the trunk.
How big does brittlebush get?
It grows about 3 to 5 feet tall and wide. Its size depends a lot on how much water it gets, so water lightly to keep it smaller.
When does brittlebush bloom?
It blooms in late winter and early spring, usually peaking around early March. Hold off on pruning until the flowers are done.
How much water does brittlebush need?
Water at least weekly when first planted, then very little once rooted. Too much water gives big, short-lived plants.
When should I prune brittlebush?
Trim off dried flower stalks in late spring. Avoid pruning in winter, which cuts into the spring bloom.
Is brittlebush frost hardy?
It is rated to about 24 to 25°F and takes the upper 20s without damage. Colder nights in the mid 20s can burn it back.
Can brittlebush grow in light shade?
It grows and blooms best in full sun, but it handles light shade. For the most flowers, give it your sunniest spot.
Does it attract wildlife?
Yes, bees, birds and butterflies use it, and it gives birds food and shelter. Plant it where you can watch the visitors.
Can brittlebush take reflected heat?
Yes, it does well in full sun and reflected heat. It is a good choice near hot walls and driveways.
Why is it called brittlebush?
Its stems are brittle and break easily, so prune it with care and keep it back from busy paths.
How far apart should I plant brittlebush?
Plant them about 4 to 6 feet apart, center to center, and use the closer spacing for a solid sweep of spring color.
Does brittlebush keep its leaves all year?
Mostly. It keeps its silvery leaves most of the year, but it can drop them in a long, dry summer. They grow back after rain or a deep soak.
Brittlebush for sale in Arizona, delivered to you
Brittlebush is a fast native shrub with silvery leaves and masses of yellow daisies in late winter and spring. Below is what to expect in a Valley yard, from size and bloom to water, pruning and frost.
Sourced from trusted Arizona growers and delivered directly to your door, job site, or property. We deliver across the Valley and to nearby towns, and quote delivery anywhere else in Arizona.
Brittlebush in Phoenix
Brittlebush is a fast native shrub with silvery leaves. It turns gold with daisies in late winter and spring.
How far apart to plant brittlebush
Space plants 4 to 6 feet apart, center to center. Use the closer spacing for a solid sweep of spring color.
When to prune brittlebush
Trim dried flower stalks in late spring. Skip winter pruning so you keep the spring flowers.
Watering brittlebush
Water it weekly while it roots in, then very little. Extra water makes large, short-lived plants.
Brittlebush and frost
It takes the upper 20s without damage and is rated to about 24 to 25°F.
Brittlebush for wildlife
Bees, birds and butterflies use it for food and shelter. It is an easy way to bring pollinators to a Valley yard.
We deliver across the Valley, from Phoenix, Scottsdale and Mesa out to San Tan Valley, Maricopa and Casa Grande, and up to Prescott, Sedona, Payson and Globe. See delivery areas and rates.