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    • Photo of Phylica pubescens foliage by Waltzing Matilija

    Photo by Waltzing Matilija

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Phylica pubescens

    Also Known As

    • Featherhead Bush

    Plant type

    shrub

    size

    • H: 3'-5'
    • W: 4'-6'

    planting zones

    • 9a-10b

    More Options

    Phylica pubescens plant details

    Phylica pubescens is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with gold and green foliage. In spring and summer chocolate and yellow flowers emerge. Features fuzzy texture. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Phylica pubescens

    Plant type: shrub
    Plant family: rhamnaceae
    Foliage: evergreen gold and green
    Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
    Flowers: chocolate and yellow blooms in spring and summer
    Uses: light-catching, rare, tropical-looking, unique

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Phylica pubescens

    USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun
    Watering frequency: regular - low
    Soil needs: rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Phylica pubescens or Featherhead is a head turner with its soft foliage and movement with a gentle breeze. 'Finicky if fussed with' best describes this one. Give it good drainage in full sun then leave it be. The reward for this laid-back approach to plant care will be years of compliments and neighbor envy.

    By: Waltzing Matilija

    This plant is so in demand here at Annie’s, we should call it the golden grail of plant-a-holics. As soon as people see it growing in our demonstration beds, they have to have it! It is difficult to propagate & most people spend long periods on waiting lists until that special day when they get a phone call letting them know we have a Phylica waiting for them. Occasionally, a lucky few are around when we have some extra Phylicas to sell. If you’re reading this sign & there are plants left on the table, consider yourself chosen. The plant itself is very unusual looking & feeling. It consists of small, linear leaves covered in soft hairs. It feels very nice to run a hand through the branches. The flowers appear to be extensions of the branch tip, only more open & lighter in color. The plant grows to about 3’ & is an overall light green/soft yellow color. It is important not to over water & perfect drainage is a must. It does well in coastal situations. Phylica is from South Africa & oddly enough is in the same family as our native Ceanothus here in California, which looks nothing like it. Place your Phylica so it is back-lit by the setting sun. When all of its golden hairs light up, it is quite a sight to see.

    By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

    Gardening facts about Phylica pubescens plant

    How to Grow Phylica pubescens

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • regular - low

    • Soil Needs

      • well-drained
      • rich

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • gold
      • green

    • Flower Color

      • yellow
      • chocolate

    • Flower Season

      • spring
      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    • Texture

      • fuzzy
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