* Guadalupe Island Rock Daisy – Perityle incana (peri-tile in-CAN-uh )
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Endemic to Guadalupe Island (Channel Island) off Baja (Southernmost tip of CA Floristic
Province); washes, canyons, bluffs .
Growth characteristics: perennial/sub-shrub mature height: 2-3 ft. mature width: 3-5 ft. Lovely
shrubby evergreen perennial with very white foliage. Overall shape is mounded to irregular. The leaves are incised, creating a feathery appearance. Moderately fast growth. Rare in the wild.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms most in late spring or summer, but may flower off and on at other times.
Flowers are a brilliant yellow, in dense clusters on stalks slightly above the foliage. The flowering heads have no ray flowers. Seeds are light, dry, somewhat fluffy.
Uses in the garden: Often used for its striking white foliage, but flowers are equally attractive. Excellent
plant for habitat gardens, attracting song birds, hummingbirds, pollinators, butterflies. Looks wonderful
paired with Salvias or native buckwheats. Truly unique appearance – only Constancea nevinii has as white a foliage. Wonderful against dark backgrounds/foliage. Probably fine in large containers – does fine
in planters.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Dusty Millers and other white foliage plants.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: provides cover, nectar, pollen and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun near coast; afternoon shade further inland or hot gardens
Soil Sandy/rocky is best, but tolerates clay; local pH fine
Water Best semi-dry in summer – Water Zone 1-2 or 2
Fertilizer Not needed
Other Light mulch OK
Management: Thrives on neglect, but can prune after flowering to shape. Frost tender.
Propagation: from seed: easy from fresh seeds by cuttings: ? probably from non-flowering
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 13, 14 7/1/14 * Not a CA native; native to Baja CA © Project SOUND