Leucophyta brownii
cushion bush
Overview
Leucophyta brownii is a rounded, densely branched evergreen shrub reaching 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall and wide, forming a tangled cushion of slender silver-grey stems. The leaves are reduced to small scales pressed against the stems, so the silvery branchlets give the plant its colour and texture rather than visible foliage. The whole shrub is coated in white woolly hairs that reflect light and reduce water loss in exposed sites. Small rounded flower heads about 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm) across appear at the branch tips in summer, pale yellow to cream and button-like. Growth is moderate, and plants hold a tight mounded form in full sun and wind. In shade or rich soil the form opens and sprawls, and plants are often short-lived, lasting around five years. The shrub withstands salt spray and sandy, low-nutrient soils.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, on coasts of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, and New South Wales. Grows on coastal dunes, clifftops, and rocky headlands on sandy and rocky soils exposed to salt wind.Suggested Uses
Planted in coastal, rockery, and gravel gardens and as a silver contrast among green and flowering plants, spaced 18-36 inches (45-90 cm) apart. It withstands salt wind on exposed sites and binds sandy soils. It grows in containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) in a free-draining, low-nutrient mix.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 3'
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers in summer, mainly December to February, with small pale yellow to cream button-like heads at the branch tips. Flowering lasts several weeks. The flower heads are less prominent than the silver stems and turn brown as they age.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
pale yellow to creamFoliage Description
silver-greyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in well-drained sandy or rocky soil and withstands salt spray, wind, and coastal exposure. Water sparingly, as the plant suits dry, lean soils and rots in rich, moist, or poorly drained ground. It keeps a tight silver mound in sun and open, exposed sites, but opens up and sprawls in shade or fertile soil. Light frost is tolerated, suiting mild and coastal districts. Plants are short-lived, often lasting about five years, and are renewed from cuttings or seed. Root and stem rot are the main problems in heavy or wet soils.Pruning
Light tip pruning through the warmer months keeps the cushion dense and compact. Cutting back into bare older wood reshoots poorly, so pruning is kept to the soft tips. Removal of spent flower heads tidies the silver branchlets.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons