Retama raetam

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 6'-10'
W: 10'-20'

planting zones

9a-10b

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Retama raetam plant details

Retama raetam is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with blue and green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Retama raetam

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: fabaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 10 FT - 20 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: cutting garden, honey-scented, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Retama raetam

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Glorious & fragrant in bloom, this exceptionally rare evergreen drought tolerant shrub is also supremely easy to grow! Reaching 6’-8’ tall and wide within 2 years, it forms elegant arching branches of weeping stems bearing small linear grey-green foliage. The excitement begins in Spring (lasting for 2 months) when it bursts into a massive frothy profusion of pure white 1 inch “pea” flowers emanating a powerfully sweet honey perfume! Deer resistant and tolerant of even extreme-heat-no-Summer water desert conditions (Summer leaf drop if so grown) it makes an admirable specimen shrub for dry or dryish well drained gardens. Our Retama at the nursery received regular water and a bit of compost in the Spring, so we know it likes that too! Attracts butterflies and makes wonderful cut flowers.