Rhino Bush Plant Care

Rhino Bush (Elytropappus rhinocerotis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Elytropappus genus. Rhino Bush is native to South Africa. Rhino Bush is also known as Elytropappus cernuus, Helichrysum rhinocerotis, Seriphium cernuum.

Rhino Bush displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Rhino Bush produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow and orange.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rhino Bush every 7–10 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.

Rhino Bush thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Elytropappus rhinocerotis tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Rhino Bush prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

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

Feed Rhino Bush 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.

Rhino Bush is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11a.

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.

Rhino Bush can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Rhino Bush 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.

Rhino Bush is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rhino Bush can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball.

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

Rhino Bush 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.

Rhino Bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11a. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Rhino Bush is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Rhino Bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.