Hulsea caespitosa Plant Care

Hulsea caespitosa (Hulsea algida) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Hulsea genus. Hulsea caespitosa is native to the western United States. Hulsea caespitosa is also known as Hulsea carnosa, Hulsea nevadensis.

Hulsea caespitosa displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Hulsea caespitosa produces small yellow daisy-like flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Hulsea caespitosa 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.

Hulsea caespitosa thrives in full sun.

Hulsea algida tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Hulsea caespitosa prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Hulsea caespitosa to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Hulsea caespitosa 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 added organic matter for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Hulsea caespitosa 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.

Hulsea caespitosa can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 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 Hulsea caespitosa 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.

Hulsea caespitosa 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.

Hulsea caespitosa can be propagated through seeds.

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

Hulsea caespitosa 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.

Hulsea caespitosa grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Hulsea caespitosa is native to the western United States. In cooler regions, grow Hulsea caespitosa as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.