Woolly Malacothrix Plant Care

Woolly Malacothrix (Malacothrix floccifera) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Malacothrix genus. Woolly Malacothrix is native to many of the northern and central mountain ranges of California, including the Sierra Nevada. Woolly Malacothrix is also known as Malacothrix obtusa, Malacothrix parviflora, Senecio flocciferus.

Woolly Malacothrix displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Woolly Malacothrix produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of white, yellow, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Woolly Malacothrix 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.

Woolly Malacothrix thrives in full sun.

Malacothrix floccifera tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Woolly Malacothrix prefers humidity levels of 30–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil with some organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Woolly Malacothrix to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Woolly Malacothrix 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 some organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Woolly Malacothrix 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.

Woolly Malacothrix can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 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 Woolly Malacothrix 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.

Woolly Malacothrix 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.

Woolly Malacothrix can be propagated through seeds.

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

Woolly Malacothrix is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Woolly Malacothrix grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Woolly Malacothrix is native to many of the northern and central mountain ranges of California, including the Sierra Nevada. In cooler regions, grow Woolly Malacothrix as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.