What hardiness zones is Rhodanthemum hosmariense suitable for?

Rhodanthemum hosmariense is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Rhodanthemum hosmariense?

Rhodanthemum hosmariense requires Full Sun.

How much water does Rhodanthemum hosmariense need?

Rhodanthemum hosmariense has Low water needs.

Perennials

Rhodanthemum hosmariense

Moroccan Daisy

Asteraceae

Morocco (Rif Mountains, Jbel Hosmar; limestone cliffs, rocky slopes; sharp drainage essential; one of earliest-blooming daisies)

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At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitMounding

FoliageEvergreen

Height8-12 inches (20-30 cm)

Width12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Maturity2 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Deer Resistant Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

Rhodanthemum hosmariense is an evergreen subshrub reaching 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) tall with a spread of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) and a low, mounding, mat-forming habit. The finely divided, silvery-gray, fern-like leaves 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long create a dense silvery cushion. White daisy-like flowers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) wide with prominent golden-yellow disc centers are produced over a long season from late winter through spring (February-June), with occasional repeat bloom in autumn. Each flower is held on a single stem above the foliage. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to zone 7. Named for Jbel Hosmar in the Rif Mountains of Morocco, where it occurs on limestone cliffs. One of the earliest-blooming daisies—flowering often begins in February.

Native Range

Rhodanthemum hosmariense is native to Morocco—specifically the limestone cliffs and rocky slopes of the Rif Mountains (Jbel Hosmar) in northern Morocco at moderate elevations.

Suggested Uses

Planted in rock gardens, dry borders, containers, or walls at 12-15 inch (30-38 cm) spacing. Long bloom season (Feb-Jun). Silvery-gray fern-like foliage year-round. Limestone cliff native—sharp drainage essential. Containers require minimum 1-gallon pot. Not suitable for wet winter soils, heavy clay, or acidic soils.

How to Identify

Distinguished from Leucanthemum spp. (Shasta daisy) by the silvery-gray finely divided foliage (versus green simple leaves), the subshrubby habit, and the much longer bloom season. Distinguished from Argyranthemum spp. (marguerite) by the smaller, more compact size and the greater cold hardiness. The low silvery-gray mound of fern-like foliage covered in white daisies with golden centers over a very long season.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height8" - 1'

Width/Spread1' - 1'6"

Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

Winter Spring

White daisy-like flowers 1.5-2 inches (4-5 cm) wide with golden-yellow disc centers, February-June with occasional autumn repeat. One of the earliest-blooming daisies. Bloom duration 12-16 weeks in the main flush.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White with golden-yellow disc center; daisy-like 1.5-2 inches; on single stems above foliage; Feb-Jun with autumn repeat

Foliage Description

Silvery-gray; finely divided fern-like 1-2 inches; dense cushion; year-round

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 8.0(Alkaline)

357912

Soil Types

sand chalk loam rocky

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun in sharply drained, neutral to alkaline soil (pH 6.5-8.0). Hardy to zone 7. Requires sharp drainage—root rot in wet winter soils. Drought tolerant once established (Moroccan limestone cliff native). Cut back by one-third after main flowering to maintain compact form.

Pruning

Cut back by one-third after the main spring flowering to maintain compact form and promote repeat bloom. Remove dead flower stems. The subshrubby base may become woody—hard prune every 2-3 years for rejuvenation.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 1 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic