Chrysocoma sericea Plant Care

Chrysocoma sericea (Schizogyne sericea) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Schizogyne genus. Chrysocoma sericea is native to Madeira and the Canary Islands. Chrysocoma sericea is also known as Conyza canescens, Conyza sericea, Conyza tenuifolia.

Chrysocoma sericea displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Chrysocoma sericea produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chrysocoma sericea 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.

Chrysocoma sericea thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Schizogyne sericea tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Chrysocoma sericea prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining sandy loam with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Chrysocoma sericea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chrysocoma sericea 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 loam with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chrysocoma sericea is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

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.

Chrysocoma sericea 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 Chrysocoma sericea 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.

Chrysocoma sericea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chrysocoma sericea can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets.

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

Chrysocoma sericea 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.

Chrysocoma sericea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Chrysocoma sericea is native to Madeira and the Canary Islands. In cooler regions, grow Chrysocoma sericea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.