Leucophyta brownii 'Extra Silver'

Synonyms

Calocephalus brownii 'Extra Silver'

Shrubs

A half-hardy, bushy shrub to 60cm tall, with intricately branched, slender, silvery white-downy stems. Scale-like, silvery-grey leaves are pressed closely against the stems, so that the bush appears leafless. In late spring and summer it produces pale yellow flowers in small, spherical flowerheads. Grow in a cool greenhouse, as summer bedding, or in a dry garden in mild districts

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
A genus of just one species (L. brownii) of perennial plant, native to rocky parts of Australia with silvery, ghost-like foliage. Silver, button-like buds appear in late spring to summer, opening to spherical racemes of yellow flowers
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit, in full light. Water moderately during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Outdoors, grow in sharply drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Pinch out stem tips of young plants to promote bushiness

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

See pruning group 10

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds