Watson's Rabbitbrush Plant Care

Watson's Rabbitbrush (Ericameria watsonii) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Ericameria genus. Watson's Rabbitbrush is native to the states of Nevada, Utah, and Arizona in the southwestern United States.

Watson's Rabbitbrush displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Watson's Rabbitbrush produces small yellow flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Watson's Rabbitbrush every 10–14 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.

Watson's Rabbitbrush thrives in full sun.

Ericameria watsonii tolerates temperatures of 50–85°F. Watson's Rabbitbrush prefers humidity levels of 20–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Good drainage is essential for Watson's Rabbitbrush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Watson's Rabbitbrush 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 and well-draining sandy soil with low fertility. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Watson's Rabbitbrush 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.

Watson's Rabbitbrush can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 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.

Prune Watson's Rabbitbrush 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.

Watson's Rabbitbrush 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.

Watson's Rabbitbrush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cooper's goldenbush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Watson's Rabbitbrush is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Watson's Rabbitbrush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Watson's Rabbitbrush is native to the states of Nevada, Utah, and Arizona in the southwestern United States. In cooler regions, grow Watson's Rabbitbrush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.