Narrowleaf cottonrose Plant Care
Filago subspicata Boreau
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is recognized by its dense, fuzzy white leaves that resemble cotton balls. Originally from the Mediterranean region, Filago subspicata is sought after by plant collectors for its unique texture and striking appearance in gardens and landscaping.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to part shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Narrowleaf cottonrose?
Water Narrowleaf cottonrose every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to part shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Narrowleaf cottonrose Native To?
What Is the Narrowleaf cottonrose?
Narrowleaf cottonrose (Filago subspicata) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Filago genus. Narrowleaf cottonrose is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, plus Great Britain, the Low Countries, and Germany. Narrowleaf cottonrose is also known as Fine-leaved cottonrose.
Narrowleaf cottonrose displays a low-growing, spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Narrowleaf cottonrose produces small, clustered yellow or white flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Narrowleaf cottonrose?
Filago subspicata requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Narrowleaf cottonrose Need?
Narrowleaf cottonrose thrives in full sun to part shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to part shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Narrowleaf cottonrose Prefer?
Filago subspicata grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Narrowleaf cottonrose prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Narrowleaf cottonrose?
Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Narrowleaf cottonrose to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Narrowleaf cottonrose?
Feed Narrowleaf cottonrose every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Narrowleaf cottonrose?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Narrowleaf cottonrose?
Narrowleaf cottonrose can be propagated through seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to broadleaf cudweed plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Narrowleaf cottonrose Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Narrowleaf cottonrose, 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 Narrowleaf cottonrose?
Narrowleaf cottonrose 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 Narrowleaf cottonrose Need?
Narrowleaf cottonrose grows outdoors in USDA Zone 7a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 7a. Narrowleaf cottonrose is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle East, plus Great Britain, the Low Countries, and Germany.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 7a – 10b
Keep exploring plants
Narrowleaf cottonrose 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 Filago genus — compare its care with other Filago species on PlantoScan.
Filago is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Narrowleaf cottonrose 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: Filago subspicata Boreau, family Asteraceae (first published in Fl. Centre France ed. 2 n. 1057. 1849) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Narrowleaf cottonrose, 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 7a – 10b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
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