Species sulphur flower
white flowers, with green sepals, yellow-green buds and yellow-green stems

sulphur flower

Eriogonum umbellatum

The sulphur flower (Eriogonum umbellatum) is an amazing plant species native to the western United States. It is known for its bright yellow, daisy-like blooms that bloom from the late summer through to early fall. Its slender stems form a mound and the bright flowers are surrounded by a fringe of green leaves that last all season. It does not require much maintenance as it is drought-tolerant when established, and it prefers well-drained, rocky soils. It is a great choice for a low-maintenance garden or landscape, and it attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It's also long-lived and can build up nutrients and organic matter in the soil, making it a great companion plant for other species. An added bonus is its unique aroma that wafts in the air, enticing all those who pass by.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Division,Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 8

Flowers:

Yellow to cream Flowers

Sun:

Full sun

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

The Sulphur Flower (Eriogonum umbellatum) should be watered once per week if planted in a pot, using 2-3 gallons of water. If planted in the ground, it will need a deep watering once a month, preferably during the morning hours or during dry spells. Avoid wetting the leaves when watering, and avoid frequent, shallow watering as this can easily cause root rot. During hotter weather, water twice per week for plants in pots; for plants in the ground, increase the water to once per week.

sunlight

The sulphur flower (Eriogonum umbellatum) prefers full sun and should be grown in areas that receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight per day to maintain the deepest yellow color and flower display. When given ample sun, this species will produce its best flower display. It also benefits from at least some light shade during the hottest part of the day where temperatures exceed 90°F (32°C).

pruning

For Eriogonum umbellatum, a moderate amount of pruning should be conducted in late spring or early summer. Pruning too much may cause the plant to produce fewer flowers the following season. To prune the plant, simply remove the faded flowers and generally trim the plant’s stems back by 1/3. It is also important to note that if the plant has become leggy, then it should only be cut back by half of its height.

Season

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

The sulphur flower typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

The sulphur flower typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map