Species Woolly Pussytoes
white-brown flowers with green-white foliage and yellow-green stems

Woolly Pussytoes

Antennaria lanata

Also Known As - White Margined Pussytoes
The Woolly Pussytoes (Antennaria lanata) is a small, perennial, tufted shrub-like member of the daisy family. It is endemic to the Mediterranean region, where it is found in garigue habitats. It has hairy gray or white rosette leaves and small white flower heads. It grows in rocky outcrops and crevices, forming a mat of low-lying vegetation over the soil surface. Woolly pussytoes require very little water and tolerate drought well, with wide temperature fluctuations. Its evergreen foliage makes it an attractive, easy-care ground cover for low-maintenance gardens. It tends to die back in winter and should be propagated by cuttings in spring.

Watering:

Minimal

Propagation:

Division,Root Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,gray,gray

Growth Rate:

Low

Care Level:

Low

watering

Woolly Pussytoes are drought-loving perennials that do not require frequent watering. The plant should be watered deeply once a month in the spring and summer, or, if grown in containers, when the soil begins to dry out between waterings. In fall and winter, reduce watering to every 2 to 4 weeks. Do not allow the soil to become soggy.

sunlight

Woolly Pussytoes thrive in full sun, which will provide them with the necessary 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If the plant is in an area with too little light, its leaves may yellow and die. To ensure a healthy plant, the Woolly Pussytoes should have full sun exposure between the hours of 9AM and 5PM in spring and summer, and 8AM and 4PM in winter and fall.

pruning

Woolly Pussytoes should be pruned in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins, typically assumed to be March. Pruning more than 1 third of the shoots of the plant’s new growth can cause it to become unruly and spindly, so pruning should only consist of cutting back the tips of the stems by 1 third to 1 quarter of their length. Different pruning techniques may be used on Woolly Pussytoes including deadheading, disbudding, or shaping. Deadheading involves removing spent flower heads and other unsightly growth. Disbudding is the removal of new buds that form on the shoots to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. Lastly, trimming may be done for aesthetic or shaping purposes.