Creosote Bush Plant Care

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata) belongs to the Zygophyllaceae family within the Larrea genus. Creosote Bush is also known as Greasewood, Chaparral.

Creosote Bush displays a low, spreading shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Creosote Bush produces small, yellow flowers with five petals.

Leaf size: approximately 1.5 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Creosote Bush every 14–21 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.

Creosote Bush thrives in full sun.

Larrea tridentata tolerates temperatures of 50–100°F. Creosote Bush prefers humidity levels of 10–40%.

Sandy, well-draining soil mix with gravel and gypsum. Good drainage is essential for Creosote Bush to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Creosote Bush every 8 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 sandy, well-draining soil mix with gravel and gypsum. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Creosote 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.

Creosote Bush can spread to about 6 ft (1.8 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 6 ft (1.8 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 Creosote 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.

Creosote 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.

Creosote Bush can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creosote bush plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Creosote Bush is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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.

Creosote Bush grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Creosote Bush as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.