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Calocephalus brownii

Cushion Bush

Loved by Pollinators Low Maintenance Fragrant Scent Hardiness H3

Silver-white stems and tiny scale-like leaves give Calocephalus brownii a distinctive coral-shaped appearance. This compact evergreen suits sunny containers, gravel planting and coastal displays, but it requires sharp drainage and protection from severe frost and persistent winter wet.

SKU: CALO-3-Y

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Plant Details

Size

Max Height
0.5 m — 1.0 m
Max Spread
0.5 m — 1.0 m
Growth Habit
Densely branched plant with compact, leafy, rounded overall shape., Grows in tight bunches from base, forming rounded groups., Widely extends outward with many lateral branches from center.

Planting Position

Sunlight Indicates how much direct sunlight the plant needs each day. Full sun means 6+ hours, part shade is filtered or morning sun, and full shade is little to no direct sun.
Full Sun
Aspect Aspect refers to the direction the planting spot faces (north, south, east or west). It affects light levels, warmth and exposure.
South East West
Exposure Exposure describes how sheltered or exposed a plant’s position is, particularly to wind and weather.
Exposed / Sheltered
Hardiness Hardiness indicates how well a plant tolerates cold conditions outdoors. Higher ratings generally mean greater frost tolerance.
Hardiness H3 (−5 to +1 °C) Half-hardy

Ideal Soil Conditions

Soil Type Soil type describes the texture of the soil (clay, sand, loam, chalk). This affects drainage, nutrients and how roots grow.
Chalk Loam Sand
Soil Moisture Soil moisture tells you how wet or dry the soil should be for best growth. Match this to your garden conditions for healthier plants.
Free draining
Soil pH Soil pH measures how acidic or alkaline the soil is. It affects nutrient availability and can impact plant growth.
Alkaline Neutral

Plant Uses & Merits

Uses
  • Patios / Courtyards
  • Coastal Areas
  • Groundcover
Merits
  • Drought Resistant
  • Fragrant
  • Generally pest-free
  • Low Maintenance
  • Loved By Pollinators

Calocephalus brownii Description

Calocephalus brownii, now botanically known as Leucophyta brownii, forms a dense rounded shrub of intricately branching silver-white stems. Tiny scale-like leaves blend into the downy stems, creating an almost metallic texture throughout the year. Small cream to pale yellow flower heads may appear in summer, although the foliage is its main attraction. Grow in full sun in gritty, sharply drained soil or compost. Once established it tolerates drought and coastal exposure, but it dislikes hard pruning. It may survive outdoors in very mild, sheltered parts of Ireland, although cold combined with winter wet can quickly damage it. Container plants are safest when moved to a bright, frost-protected position during severe weather.