Photo of Eriocephalus africanus flower, form, showy seedheads by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Eriocephalus africanus

Also Known As

  • African Rosemary

Plant type

shrub

size

  • H: 3'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 9a-10b

More Options

Eriocephalus africanus plant details

Eriocephalus africanus is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with green foliage. In summer purple and white flowers emerge. Attracts bees making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Eriocephalus africanus

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Flowers: purple and white blooms in summer
Uses: fragrant, medicinal, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Eriocephalus africanus

USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, clay and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

AFRICAN SNOW BUSH-CAPE SNOW BUSH- AFRICAN ROSEMANRY - A small evergreen shrub with dark green needle like foliage producing lots of small white flowers in late winter to spring. The flowers are followed by fluffy seed heads resembling cottony wool or snow. Likes sun and hardy in zone 9-10. Said to be used for relief of muscle aches, tension headache,improve memory, and a nerve stimulant.
An excellent, evergreen, South African shrub for the dry garden. To 3’ tall & across, it blooms early Winter well into Summer, the whole shrub becoming almost covered with purple-eyed, white flowers, loved by bees. The flowers are followed by fluffy seed heads looking much like cottony wool or snow. Stiffly branching with aromatic needle-like foliage covered with tiny hairs, this bushy shrub displays an overall silvery-grey appearance. Tap-rooted, it’s extremely drought tolerant & prefers well-drained soil, though it does tolerate some clay. Can be lightly pruned to encourage bushiness or trained into a hedge. Beautiful combined with Restios or Melianthus. Commonly used in South Africa for colds & coughs & lots more.

Gardening facts about Eriocephalus africanus plant

How to Grow Eriocephalus africanus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular - low
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • white
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • bees
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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