Rhodanthemum spp.
Moroccan daisy
Overview
Rhodanthemum spp. is a genus of about a dozen low evergreen to semi-evergreen subshrubs and perennials in the daisy family (Asteraceae), native to North Africa and southern Spain. Plants form spreading mounds 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide, with a woody base and trailing-to-ascending shoots. The leaves are 0.5-1.5 inches (1.5-4 cm) long, finely divided into narrow segments, and covered in silky silver-grey hairs. Solitary daisy flowerheads 1.5-2.5 inches (4-6 cm) across are carried on short stems above the foliage, each with white ray florets, sometimes flushed pink beneath, around a yellow central disc. The main bloom comes in spring, often with repeat flushes into summer and again in autumn in mild climates. The silvery foliage stays present year-round where winters are mild. The genus needs sharp drainage and full sun, declining quickly in wet or heavy soil, and the woody base grows open and bare with age unless trimmed.
Native Range
Native to North Africa, chiefly the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria, with one species in southwestern Spain. Plants grow on rocky slopes, screes, and dry stony grassland, often at moderate to high elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in rock gardens, gravel gardens, raised beds, troughs, and the front of sunny borders, spaced 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) apart. The silver foliage and white daisies suit dry, low-water and Mediterranean-style plantings. Compact in containers with sharp drainage, it also trails over walls and edges.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
The main flush opens in mid- to late spring, roughly April to June, with scattered flowers continuing through summer and a lighter autumn flush in mild gardens. Individual flowerheads last 1-2 weeks. Bloom is heaviest in full sun and slows in heat or wet weather.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white with yellow centerFoliage Description
silver-greyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 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 sharply drained, gritty, neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH from 6.0 to 7.5. Drought is tolerated once established, and the plant is well suited to lean, dry, stony ground. Wet winter soil is the main cause of loss, rotting the crown and roots. Watering is needed only during extended drought, and feeding is kept light to limit soft growth. The woody base opens up with age, so light trimming after each flush keeps plants compact. Plants are often short-lived and renewed every few years from cuttings.Pruning
Light shearing after the main flush removes spent flowers, draws further bloom, and keeps the mound dense. Hard cutting into old bare wood is avoided, as the genus is slow to resprout from leafless stems. Plants are replaced from cuttings every 3-4 years as the woody base opens.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons