Grave-of-the-Chiefs Plant Care

Grave-of-the-Chiefs (Neviusia cliftonii) belongs to the Rosaceae family within the Neviusia genus. Grave-of-the-Chiefs is native to Shasta County, California. Grave-of-the-Chiefs is also known as Clifton's Snow-wreath.

Grave-of-the-Chiefs displays a spreading, low-growing shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Grave-of-the-Chiefs produces small, white to pink flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Grave-of-the-Chiefs every 3–5 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.

Grave-of-the-Chiefs thrives in partial shade to full sun.

Neviusia cliftonii tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Grave-of-the-Chiefs prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Moist, well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Good drainage is essential for Grave-of-the-Chiefs to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Grave-of-the-Chiefs 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 partial shade to full sun and moist, well-draining acidic soil with high organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Grave-of-the-Chiefs 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.

Grave-of-the-Chiefs can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 2 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 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 Grave-of-the-Chiefs 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.

Grave-of-the-Chiefs 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.

Grave-of-the-Chiefs can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alabama snow-wreath plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Grave-of-the-Chiefs is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Grave-of-the-Chiefs grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Grave-of-the-Chiefs is native to Shasta County, California. In cooler regions, grow Grave-of-the-Chiefs as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.