About
In late spring and summer it produces pale yellow flowers in small, spherical flowerheads. A half-hardy, bushy shrub to 60cm tall, with intricately branched, slender, silvery white-downy stems. Scale-like, silvery-grey leaves are pressed closely against the stems, so that the bush appears leafless. Cultivate in a cool greenhouse, as summer bedding, or in a dry garden in mild districts.
About the genus
A genus of just one species (L. brownii) of perennial plant, native to rocky parts of Australia with silvery, ghost-like foliage. Silver, button-like buds appear in late spring to summer, opening to spherical racemes of yellow flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeShrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit, in full light. Water moderately during the growing season and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. Outdoors, grow in sharply drained, moderately fertile soil in full sun. Pinch out stem tips of young plants to promote bushiness
PruningSee pruning group 10
PropagationPropagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to grey moulds