
Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Greenleaf Yellowtops Plant Care
Flaveria chlorifolia A.Gray
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its thick, succulent-like leaves that are a vibrant shade of green, this plant hails from the dry regions of Mexico. Plant collectors are drawn to Flaveria chlorifolia for its unique appearance and ability to thrive in hot, arid conditions, making it a desirable addition to any collection of drought-tolerant plants.
Every 7–10 days
Full sun to partial shade
60–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Plant Greenleaf Yellowtops in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Greenleaf Yellowtops Native To?
What Is the Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Greenleaf Yellowtops (Flaveria chlorifolia) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Flaveria genus. Greenleaf Yellowtops is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
Greenleaf Yellowtops displays an upright, branching shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Greenleaf Yellowtops produces small yellow clustered flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 3 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Water a young or newly planted Greenleaf Yellowtops 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.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Greenleaf Yellowtops Need?
Greenleaf Yellowtops thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Greenleaf Yellowtops Prefer?
Flaveria chlorifolia tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Greenleaf Yellowtops prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Greenleaf Yellowtops to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Feed Greenleaf Yellowtops 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 Greenleaf Yellowtops?
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.
Greenleaf Yellowtops is suited to USDA Zone 13a.
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 Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Greenleaf Yellowtops can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 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 Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Prune Greenleaf Yellowtops 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 Greenleaf Yellowtops in Winter?
Greenleaf Yellowtops is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). 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 Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Greenleaf Yellowtops can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to narrowleaf yellowtops plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Greenleaf Yellowtops Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Greenleaf Yellowtops, 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 Greenleaf Yellowtops?
Greenleaf Yellowtops 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 Greenleaf Yellowtops Need?
Greenleaf Yellowtops grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Greenleaf Yellowtops is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In cooler regions, grow Greenleaf Yellowtops as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13a
Keep exploring plants
Greenleaf Yellowtops 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 Flaveria genus — compare its care with other Flaveria species on PlantoScan.
Flaveria is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
Greenleaf Yellowtops thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Flaveria Species
Other Flaveria species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Flaveria chlorifolia A.Gray, family Asteraceae (first published in Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts n.s., 4: 88. 1849 [10 Feb 1849] ; =Plantae Fendlerianae) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Greenleaf Yellowtops, 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, 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.
