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Rhodanthemum hosmariense
Moroccan daisy
Morocco (Rif Mountains, Jbel Hosmar; limestone cliffs, rocky slopes; sharp drainage essential; one of earliest-blooming daisies)
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
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
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 repeatFoliage Description
Silvery-gray; finely divided fern-like 1-2 inches; dense cushion; year-roundGrowing 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
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
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
summer
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons