Chrysactinia mexicana
Damianita
Description
This mounding groundcover grows slowly to 2' tall and wide. Golden yellow daisylike flowers appear in spring and fall. The yellow flowers agains the aromatic dark green foliage makes it a colorful accent. Good for courtyards. Resembles turpentine bush but has longer bloom period. Needs good drainage. Periodic pruning willinduce flowering. Accepts reflected sun. It is a slow grower so be patient. Native to western Texas and Mexico.
Maintenance Tips
Chrysactinia mexicana is a small, evergreen perennial with fragrant foliage and very showy flowers that emerge in spring. This is a very drought-tolerant plant that will look and perform its best in full sun and well-drained soil. It is considered pest and disease-free and gets all of the nutrients it needs in just about any soil condition. It only grows 1-2' tall and wide, so it can be used in just about any space in any sized garden without having to prune to maintain the size. After the blooming ends, the plant will benefit from some pruning to cut off the spent flowers and to improve the shape. If the blooms start to slow down in the summer, this plant will benefit from some supplemental water. The additional water can keep the plant blooming until the fall.
Plant Type
Ground cover, Perennial
Height Range
1-3'
Flower Color
Yellow
Flower Season
Spring, Fall
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Low, Extra in Summer
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Fall Color, Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Perennial Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Parking Lot, Raised Planter, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces, Hanging Baskets
Attracts Wildlife
Butterflies
Adjust sprinklers to avoid watering sidewalks and driveways.