Rock Phagnalon Plant Care

Rock Phagnalon (Phagnalon rupestre) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Phagnalon genus. Rock Phagnalon is native to the Mediterranean basin countries of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and to Iran, Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Canary Islands. Rock Phagnalon is also known as Conyza rupestris, Phagnalon spathulatum, Gnaphalon rupestre.

Rock Phagnalon displays a low spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Rock Phagnalon produces small daisy-like flowers in white or pink.

Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Rock Phagnalon every 7–14 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.

Rock Phagnalon thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Phagnalon rupestre tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Rock Phagnalon prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy soil mix with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Rock Phagnalon to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Rock Phagnalon 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 to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil mix with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Rock Phagnalon is suited to USDA Zone 9a – 11b.

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.

Rock Phagnalon can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 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.

Prune Rock Phagnalon 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.

Rock Phagnalon is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 9). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Rock Phagnalon can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to gnaphalium saxatile plant care, which shares the same genus.

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

Rock Phagnalon is susceptible to aphids, 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.

Rock Phagnalon grows outdoors in USDA Zone 9a – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 9a. Rock Phagnalon is native to the Mediterranean basin countries of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, and to Iran, Iraq, the Arabian Peninsula, and the Canary Islands. In cooler regions, grow Rock Phagnalon as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.