Encelia

( en - SELL - ee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of deciduous shrubs, commonly called Brittlebrush, includes species which need full sun and little to no water to perform well in the landscape. These bushes have sparse foliage, and the little that grows tends to drop off in hot weather. Yellow daisy flowers appear in loose clusters in springtime. These shrubs are best for far areas of the garden that do not have any formal irrigation. Use on banks and sloped areas, in wildlife gardens, or as a tall groundcover for low-traffic areas. Take care when planting these in the landscape, as the sticky sap may cause skin rashes in sensitive individuals.

Encelia Species and Varietals

The genus Encelia includes around 20 species and is a member of the plant family Asteraceae. The genus was named for German biologist Christophorus Enzelius (1517-1583). The best growing zones for Encelia are USDA hardiness zones 9-10 or Sunset growing zones 7-16 and 18-24, though this varies somewhat by species. See the descriptions below for more growing information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Encelia californica (Encelia conspersa) (Bush Sunflower, California Coast Sunflower, California Bush Sunflower)
Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9-10 or Sunset growing zones 7-16 and 18-24. Native to Southern California, this species has bright green leaves and brown-centered yellow flowers. This species is a host plant for the threatened Bay Checkerspot butterfly. Individua plants reach up to 20-60 inches tall.

Encelia farinosa (Brittlebrush, Incienso)
This shrub grows best in USDA hardiness zones 8-11 or Sunset growing zones 8-16, 18-24, and H1. Native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it is a common plant of desert landscapes. Leaves are silvery green and yellow daisy-form flowers bloom in summertime. These plants will lose all of their leaves during dry periods of the year (they are drought-deciduous), relying on the water stored in their thick stems. This species is considered invasive in Hawai'i.

Caring for and pruning Encelia shrubs

Take care when planting these in the landscape, as the sticky sap may cause skin rashes in sensitive individuals. Plant Encelia shrubs in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. Ensure that soil is well-draining, rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 6.0 and 8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline). They prefer sandy soils. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. Once mature, these shrubby plants are very drought-tolerant, getting by on rainwater alone for much of the year. During extended periods of dry weather, make sure to irrigate at least every two weeks to prevent foliage from dropping. Be careful not to overwater these shrubs; they perform best with some neglect.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Protect these plants from frost by using frost cloth over the cooler months of the year. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms. After these shrubs are done blooming, cut back by about 1/3 or more to encourage a repeat bloom in the same year. These shrubs are fast growing, surviving in most landscapes for between 5-10 years before needing to be replaced.

Propagation

Encelia, or Brittlebush, plants are best propagated through seed. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
Harvest your seeds in late springtime. The seeds are left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
Note that not all of the seeds you've harvested will germinate immediately. Some take a week or so, others may take a few seasons. The seeds have a lot of germination inhibitors, but if you sow enough you should get enough for your planting needs.
Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Problems and Pests

Certain species are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Encelia shrubs are generally pest and disease-free. For information on commonly-encountered garden pests and diseases, consult the following pages:

Pests & Pest Management

Plant Issues