Care of the shrub Encelia farinosa or Brittlebush |
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The genus Encelia, family Asteraceae, comprises 15 species of shrubs native to arid regions of North and South America. Some species are: Encelia farinosa, Encelia canescens, Encelia frutescens, Encelia californica, Encelia resinifera. Common names: Incienso, Brittlebush, Brittlebrush. This species is native to northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States of America. They are compact shrubs that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The leaves are aromatic, deep green in color and have hairiness that gives the foliage a silvery shine when they receive direct sunlight. The showy yellow flowers are 3.5 cm (1.37") in diameter and appear above the foliage on flower stalks. They are used in Mediterranean coastal gardens and in low maintenance rockery gardens, in bushy clumps and on dry, sunny slopes. Encelia farinosa needs direct sun exposure and a warm climate. They do not resist frost. They can be grown in any type of soil that drains well be it rocky, sandy or poor. Always water moderately, waiting for the substrate to be well dry; they resist drought very well. Prune off wilted flower stems. They do not need fertilizers. They are resistant plants to the habitual plagues but sensitive to the excess of irrigation. They propagate by seeds sown in spring or autumn. |
Images of the shrub Encelia farinosa or Brittlebush |
 Encelia farinosa  Encelia farinosa  Encelia farinosa |