Species dwarf chapparal-broom
Off-white flowers with buds, yellow anthers, green leaves and stems.

dwarf chapparal-broom

Baccharis pilularis

The dwarf chapparal-broom (Baccharis pilularis) is an amazing plant species due to its ability to thrive in a variety of climates. It is an evergreen shrub that is salt tolerant and drought tolerant, so it can grow in a range of soils from sandy to clay. While it is native to the California coast, it is a hardy plant that can thrive in colder climates, making it ideal for landscaping. Its foliage is silvery-green and it produces white flowers in the summertime which can provide a great contrast to any garden. Furthermore, this species is low maintenance and can require minimal pruning, making it an ideal plant for busy gardeners.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Grafting Propagation,Layering Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Male flowers yellowish / female flowers white Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Low

watering

Dwarf chapparal-broom (Baccharis pilularis) requires regular watering to maintain healthy growth. Water the plant deeply and thoroughly every 7-10 days in the warmer months during the summer and every 10-14 days in the cooler months during the winter. Depending on the soil and weather conditions, the timing of watering may require slight adjustments. Water the plant slowly and evenly for 20-30 minutes to ensure it is sufficiently moistened. Make sure to check the soil regularly to determine if the plant needs to be watered. If the soil is dry, it is time to water the plant. Additionally, water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon avoiding the hours of the hottest part of the day. Watering in the hottest parts of the day increases the risk of water loss due to evaporation.

sunlight

Dwarf chapparal-broom grows best in full sunlight or partial shade. In full sun, the plant will receive approximately 6-8 hours of direct light each day. In partial shade, the plant can tolerate up to 4 hours of direct light per day. However, too much shade will reduce flowering and overall health of the plant. Dwarf chapparal-broom should be planted in a location that provides plenty of sunlight for most of the day, with some shade available in the afternoon when temperatures are particularly warm.

pruning

Dwarf chapparal-broom (Baccharis pilularis) is a shrub that grows in the coastal areas of California, requiring an average amount of pruning to stay healthy. Pruning should be done at least once a year, preferably in late winter or early spring. The amount of pruning depends on the size of the shrub and its desired shape. Depending on the shrub’s size and the desired shape, most dwarf chapparal-broom should be pruned to a uniform height of approximately 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m). Pruning should also include the removal of dead, injured, and diseased branches, as well as multiple shoots arising from the same stem. A heavy pruning could be done later, in late summer or early fall, which should also include the removal of crossing branches. This type of pruning helps to open the canopy to light and air circulation, allowing additional growth and development.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Baccharis pilularis typically starts flowering in late summer to early fall, usually between August and October.

Starts Flowering

Baccharis pilularis typically starts flowering in late summer to early fall, usually between August and October.

Hardiness Map