Description
Growth & Care
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zone | 5b |
| Soil Preference | Sandy |
| Growth Rate | Average |
| Recommended Pruning Method | Spring Cleanup |
Foliage
| Foliage Type | Deciduous |
| Plant Form | Mounded |
Flowers
| Flower Period | Summer, Fall |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Fragrance | High |
Additional Categories
| Additional Category | Rabbitbrush |
| Landscape Application | Massing, Rock, Garden, Container |
Details
Planting & Growing
Rubber Rabbitbrush will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 28 inches apart. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for a low-water garden or xeriscape application. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for sandy, alkaline soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.
Rubber Rabbitbrush is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
Landscape Attributes
Rubber Rabbitbrush is an open herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other garden plants with less refined foliage.
This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Rubber Rabbitbrush is recommended for the following landscape applications:
Mass Planting, Rock/Alpine Gardens, General Garden Use, Container Planting
Ornamental Features
Rubber Rabbitbrush is blanketed in stunning clusters of fragrant yellow tubular flowers at the ends of the stems from late summer to early fall. Its grassy leaves remain grayish green in color with hints of silver throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. The gray stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.
