Encelia californica

Also Known As

Coast Sunflower

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

H: 3'-5'
W: 3'-5'

planting zones

9b-10b

More Options

Encelia californica plant details

Encelia californica is a fast-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Encelia californica

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: asteraceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: long-blooming, native plant

GROWING CONDITIONS for Encelia californica

USDA Zones: 9b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low

Soil needs: well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Subshrub forming a broad clump to 4' tall. Lemon yellow flowers with purple-brown centers bloom from late winter through spring and intermittently year round. Cut back hard after flowering to maintain a tidy habit. Southern California.

By: Native Sons

A highly recommended native bee plant, it is also popular with butterflies. Growing to 3’ tall and 5’ wide, the Coast Sunflower blooms Spring through Fall. While very drought tolerant, it will drop it leaves & stop blooming if kept totally dry in the Summer. Watering once monthly should keep it green and floriferous. Flowers are 2” wide, very much like single sunflowers & are excellent for cut flower arrangements. Fast-growing but not long-lived, coast sunflower is a good filler between young Salvias, Artemesia, Ceanothus and Mimulus. Also great on dry banks under oaks (if sunny) and not fussy about soil.