Critonia elliptica Plant Care

Critonia elliptica (Critonia elliptica) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Critonia genus. Critonia elliptica is native to the eastern and central United States, in all the coastal states from Maine to Texas, and inland as far as Missouri and the Ohio Valley.

Critonia elliptica displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Critonia elliptica produces small daisy-like flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Critonia elliptica every 5–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Critonia elliptica thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Critonia elliptica tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Critonia elliptica prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Critonia elliptica to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Critonia elliptica every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Critonia elliptica is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Critonia elliptica can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Critonia elliptica while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Critonia elliptica is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Critonia elliptica can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to eggers' critonia plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Critonia elliptica is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Critonia elliptica grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Critonia elliptica is native to the eastern and central United States, in all the coastal states from Maine to Texas, and inland as far as Missouri and the Ohio Valley. In cooler regions, grow Critonia elliptica as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.