
Photo: Curtis ClarkCC BY-SA 3.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Resin Bush Plant Care
Encelia resinifera C.Clark
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Encelia resinifera, the sticky brittlebush, is a North American species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun
50–90°F
30–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Resin Bush?
Plant Resin Bush in full sun (USDA zones 12a) and water a young shrub every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
What Is the Resin Bush?
Resin Bush (Encelia resinifera) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Encelia genus. Resin Bush is also known as Resin Brittlebush, Encelia frutescens, Encelia resinifera.
Resin Bush displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Resin Bush produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Resin Bush?
Water a young or newly planted Resin Bush 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 Resin Bush Need?
Resin Bush thrives in full sun.
Light Requirement
Full sun
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Resin Bush Prefer?
Encelia resinifera tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Resin Bush prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.
Temperature
50–90°F
Humidity
30–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Resin Bush?
Well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Resin Bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Resin Bush?
Feed Resin 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.
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 Resin Bush?
Choose a spot with full sun and well-draining sandy soil mix with some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Resin Bush 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 Resin Bush?
Resin Bush 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 Resin Bush?
Prune Resin 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.
How Do You Care for a Resin Bush in Winter?
Resin Bush 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 Resin Bush?
Resin Bush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to california brittlebush plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Resin Bush Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Resin Bush, 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 Resin Bush?
Resin 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Resin Bush Need?
Resin Bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Resin Bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Resin Bush 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 Encelia genus — compare its care with other Encelia species on PlantoScan.
Encelia is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Resin Bush thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Encelia Species
Other Encelia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Encelia resinifera C.Clark, family Asteraceae (first published in Aliso 17: 201 (1998)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Resin Bush, 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.
- Photo: Curtis Clark, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- 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.
