A low spreading native with silvery-grey woolly foliage and clusters of golden button flowers over a long season. Tough, drought-hardy and great for bee-attracting borders.
At a glance
- Plant type: Spreading groundcover
- Mature size: 30 cm H × 1 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Australian native
About Silver Sunburst
Chrysocephalum apiculatum 'Silver Sunburst' is a fast-growing spreading groundcover in the Asteraceae family, native to Australia. It reaches around 30 cm tall and 1 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Yellow flowers appear for much of the year.
Where to grow Silver Sunburst
Silver Sunburst suits warm-temperate, cool-temperate, Mediterranean and arid and semi-arid climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is usually left alone by rabbits.
Soil & planting
Silver Sunburst does best in free-draining, sandy and poor soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Silver Sunburst is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. As an Australian native, feed it only with a low-phosphorus native fertiliser. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Silver Sunburst after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Silver Sunburst in the garden
Silver Sunburst earns its place for holding soil on banks and slopes, feeding bees and pollinators and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Silver Sunburst with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and warm-temperate climate. Group three or five together for impact rather than dotting single plants through the garden. It combines naturally with other Australian natives in a habitat or water-wise garden.
Buying Silver Sunburst
Plant Sale lists Silver Sunburst as tube stock and potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.