Crocanthemum greenei Plant Care
Crocanthemum greenei (B.L.Rob.) Sorrie
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Crocanthemum greenei is a rare species of flowering plant in the rock-rose family known by the common name island rush-rose. It is endemic to the Channel Islands of California, where it grows in the chaparral of the rocky seaside slopes.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
50–85°F
40–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Crocanthemum greenei?
Plant Crocanthemum greenei in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F (10–29°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Crocanthemum greenei Native To?
What Is the Crocanthemum greenei?
Crocanthemum greenei (Crocanthemum greenei) belongs to the Cistaceae family within the Crocanthemum genus. Crocanthemum greenei is native to the Channel Islands of California.
Crocanthemum greenei displays a low spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Crocanthemum greenei produces showy yellow flowers with five petals.
Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Crocanthemum greenei?
Water a young or newly planted Crocanthemum greenei every 7–14 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Crocanthemum greenei Need?
Crocanthemum greenei thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Crocanthemum greenei Prefer?
Crocanthemum greenei tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Crocanthemum greenei prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.
Temperature
50–85°F
Humidity
40–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Crocanthemum greenei?
Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Crocanthemum greenei to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Crocanthemum greenei?
Feed Crocanthemum greenei 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.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Crocanthemum greenei?
Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Crocanthemum greenei 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.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Crocanthemum greenei?
Crocanthemum greenei can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 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.
How Do You Prune a Crocanthemum greenei?
Prune Crocanthemum greenei 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.
How Do You Care for a Crocanthemum greenei in Winter?
Crocanthemum greenei 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.
How Do You Propagate a Crocanthemum greenei?
Crocanthemum greenei can be propagated through seeds, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to canada frostweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Crocanthemum greenei Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Crocanthemum greenei, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Crocanthemum greenei?
Crocanthemum greenei is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Crocanthemum greenei Need?
Crocanthemum greenei grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Crocanthemum greenei is native to the Channel Islands of California. In cooler regions, grow Crocanthemum greenei as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Crocanthemum greenei is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Crocanthemum genus — compare its care with other Crocanthemum species on PlantoScan.
Crocanthemum is part of the Cistaceae plant family — browse all Cistaceae genera and species.
Crocanthemum greenei thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Crocanthemum greenei (B.L.Rob.) Sorrie, family Cistaceae (first published in Phytologia 93: 270 (2011)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Crocanthemum greenei, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
