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Perityle spp.
Southwestern United States, Mexico, and the Andes
Overview
Perityle is a genus of about 70 annuals, perennials, and small subshrubs in the daisy family, known as rock daisies and centered on the arid southwestern United States and Mexico, with a few species in the Andes. Plants are typically low and tufted or bushy, 4-20 inches (10-50 cm) tall, often rooting in cliff faces, rock crevices, and dry stony slopes. Leaves are small, sometimes lobed or toothed, and many species carry a slightly sticky or hairy surface. The flower heads are small daisies, mostly yellow and sometimes white, with or without short ray florets, borne singly or in loose clusters through the warmer months. Several species are narrow rock-dwelling endemics confined to a single mountain range or canyon system, while others are widespread on desert rock. The genus grows in full sun with sharp drainage and tolerates heat and drought, drawing on rock crevices for the little moisture it needs. Annual species complete their cycle quickly after rains, while perennial and subshrubby species persist on rock for years. Most species fail in rich, wet soils and decline without sharp drainage. The small stature and rock-hugging habit suit specialized dry plantings.
Native Range
Perityle is native to the arid Americas, concentrated in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with outlying species in the South American Andes. Species grow on cliffs, rock outcrops, canyon walls, and dry stony slopes in desert and semi-desert regions.Suggested Uses
Perityle is grown in rock gardens, crevice gardens, troughs, and dry-climate plantings of the desert Southwest. The compact, rock-hugging species suit walls, containers, and tucked stony pockets.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'8"
Width/Spread4" - 1'4"
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in the warmer months, often spring through autumn, and follows rainfall in desert species. The small yellow or white heads open over an extended period on established plants. Annual species bloom quickly after seasonal rains and then set seed.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green to gray-greenGrowing 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
Water & Climate
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Perityle grows in full sun with sharp, fast drainage in gritty, rocky, or sandy soil. The genus tolerates heat and drought and grows naturally in rock crevices, so it needs little water once established. Wet, heavy soils cause rot, and the genus declines without good drainage. Perennial and subshrubby species persist for years on rock, while annual species are renewed from self-sown seed. Few pests affect the plants in dry conditions. Container and crevice culture with mineral grit suits the genus where garden soil is too rich or moist.Pruning
Trim back leggy or spent growth on perennial species after flowering to keep a compact shape. Remove dead annual plants once they have set seed. Little other pruning is needed.Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons